Italy at a Crossroads: Civil Mobilizations and Political Dynamics

In recent days, Italy has once again witnessed waves of mobilization linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with mass demonstrations, general strikes, and growing pressure on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government to clarify its political stance on the Middle East crisis. The pro-Palestinian demonstrations reignited after the interception by Israeli forces of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian initiative calling for the opening of corridors to Gaza. The appeal for solidarity with the civilian population has become the driving force behindmarches—in Rome, Milan, and many other cities—and strikes. Many hundred of thousand of people took part, seeking to create both symbolic and real pressure on national politics. Politically, these protests have generated a growing sense of urgency among parliamentary groups and civil-society forces, compelling the government to issue statements. Meloni has faced criticism both from the left and from centrist forces, accused of ambiguity or inaction on Gaza. Against this backdrop of political tension came the regional elections in Calabria, a vote whose political weight far exceeded local relevance. Incumbent governor Roberto Occhiuto, backed by the center-right, was re-elected with a large margin (about 57.2 %) against center-left candidate Pasquale Tridico (about 41.7 %). It was the first time in Calabria’s history that an incumbent president had been re-elected by such a wide margin, though voting turnout remained very low (around 43 %). In the party count, Forza Italia came out on top with about 17-18 %, while civic lists linked to Occhiuto—such as Occhiuto Presidente—also performed strongly, consolidating the center-right’s dominance in the region.The Calabrian result is interpreted as a show of strength for the governing coalition, and particularly for Forza Italia, which now claims to be the driving force within the center-right and a credible interlocutor for the middle class in the upcoming budget negotiations. Meanwhile, another highly charged political moment came with the European Parliament’s vote on the immunity of Ilaria Salis, MEP for Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra (AVS). The Eurochamber confirmed her immunity, blocking judicial proceedings against her. The secret and controversial vote has exposed serious cracks within Italy’s center-right, triggering a public clash between the League and Forza Italia.

Within this context, the upcoming financial maneuver (manovra finanziaria 2026) takes on decisive importance. The center-right parties are already debating priorities: Forza Italia pushes for an ambitious IRPEF cut (from 35 % to 33 %) for incomes up to €60,000; the League and other allies call for stronger measures to support families, territorial investments, and business incentives. Resources are expected to come from spending rationalization, consolidation of redundant bonuses, reallocation of unused funds, and higher revenue from employment and investment growth.The declared goal is to give “breathing room” to taxpayers, especially the middle class, while freeingresources for families and businesses.Tensions within the majority are rising: Forza Italia favors bold tax cuts, while other allies advocate caution.