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Following regional elections in Spain, the center-right Popular Party (PP) is attempting to form regional governments, requiring support from the far-right Vox, which gained significant seats. Negotiations are tense, with Vox demanding inclusion in governing coalitions while the PP resists adopting its more radical policies. Concurrently, Vox is experiencing internal conflict, as its leadership moved to expel founder Javier Ortega Smith. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is advocating for a judicial reform referendum criticized as weakening oversight, announced aid for cyclone-hit Sicily, and saw her government approve new immigration measures. A separate controversy involved a restored church angel painted to resemble her, which was later ordered painted over.
In Portugal, center-left Socialist candidate António José Seguro won the presidential election by a wide margin over far-right rival André Ventura. In Spain, a political debate emerged over banning full-face coverings, with Vox and the PP proposing a ban rejected by the coalition government of Pedro Sánchez; the Catalan party Junts also registered its own separate proposal. On the left, several Spanish parties announced a new electoral alliance excluding Podemos, which dismissed the coalition.
US Vice President J.D. Vance traveled to Milan for the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, where he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a visit described as confirming strategic ties. The ceremony saw protests, including booing directed at Vance and the Israeli team. In diplomatic developments, the Vatican declined to join a 'Board of Peace' for Gaza proposed by Trump, citing a preference for UN leadership, with Italy also confirming it cannot join. Greece indicated it would participate as an observer.
Disagreements surfaced within the European Union, with Spain accusing Italy and Germany of undermining solidarity and France set to clash with them at a leaders' retreat. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a 'two-speed Europe' model. Separately, Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are forming a closer political alliance, creating a rift with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron also publicly criticized Meloni for commenting on a French judicial case, which Meloni denied was interference.
5 topics | 228 sources
Following regional elections in Spain, the center-right Popular Party (PP) is trying to form governments in several regions, requiring support from the far-right party Vox, which gained significant ground. Concurrently, a political debate has emerged about banning full-face coverings like the burka and niqab, with Vox proposing the measure and the PP offering support. These developments highlight the growing influence of the far-right in Spanish politics and the policy negotiations shaping regional governance.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is pushing for a 'yes' vote in an upcoming judicial reform referendum, which critics argue would weaken judicial independence, with one Italian politician controversially stating that Putin would vote no. Simultaneously, Italy's foreign minister is facing criticism in parliament over the government's stance on Gaza. These domestic controversies highlight the political debates surrounding Meloni's policies and international positioning.
António José Seguro, a center-left Socialist candidate, has won Portugal's presidential election. He defeated his far-right populist rival, André Ventura, by a wide margin, with many reports describing the victory as a landslide.
Several political leaders and diplomats are meeting and speaking about the Cyprus issue. The Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities have been divided for decades. Foreign missions are supporting education as a way to build confidence. An EU commissioner said there is an 'opportunity' for Turkey if Cyprus talks move forward.
A group of Spanish left-wing parties, including Sumar, Izquierda Unida (IU), Comunes, and Más Madrid, have announced they are forming a new electoral alliance for the upcoming general elections. They plan to launch this coalition at an event in Madrid on February 21st, presenting it as an alternative to the governing Socialist Party (PSOE). Podemos, another major left-wing party, has been excluded from this new alliance. The other parties have warned that staying out will leave Podemos politically isolated. In response, Podemos has dismissed the alliance and its organizers, refusing to attend their events and calling them subordinate to the PSOE.
16 topics | 243 sources
Feb 17
Italian leader Meloni meets US Vice President Vance and navigates relationship with TrumpItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US Vice President J.D. Vance in Milan during the opening of the Winter Olympics. The meeting was described as confirming the strategic relationship between Italy and the United States, with both leaders talking about shared values. Separately, Meloni announced Italy would participate as an observer in a 'Board of Peace' initiative related to Gaza, which is associated with Donald Trump. She also disagreed with criticism from another European leader, Friedrich Merz, about Trump's political supporters.
Feb 19 — Feb 7
Vatican and Italy decline to join Trump's Gaza peace board, Malta also refusesThe Vatican announced it will not participate in a 'Board of Peace' for Gaza proposed by Trump, citing a preference for United Nations leadership on the issue. Italy has also confirmed it cannot join the initiative, and Malta similarly stated it will not attend the meeting. These refusals represent diplomatic pushback against the Trump administration's approach to Middle East peace efforts.