Italian politician, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport since 2022
The Venice Biennale is reopening Russia’s pavilion for the first time since 2022 amid protests and a mass jury resignation over entries from states facing ICC charges. The international jury has resigned, and the festival is facing scrutiny from the EU and Italy as debates over artistic neutrality and politics intensify.
The 61st Venice Biennale has opened with protests, strikes and the international jury's resignation over the organisers' decision to allow Russia and Israel to participate. Dozens of pavilions have closed temporarily, the jury has quit, and visitors will vote for awards after organisers cancelled jury prizes.
The Venice Biennale has faced protests and walkouts during the preview phase as pavilions from several countries close or open intermittently amid calls to bar Israel over the Gaza war. The international jury has resigned over participation decisions.
A 31-year-old Italian man of Moroccan descent has been detained after driving into pedestrians in Modena, injuring several people. Investigators are examining motives while noting no confirmed terrorist link; authorities cite possible mental-health factors and social distress. Four remain in critical condition; the driver was stopped by bystanders and police.
Britain’s path with Europe has evolved a decade after the referendum. EU leaders say re-entry could happen, but only with exemptions and no four freedoms compromise; UK public opinion shows shifting, while the bloc signals a cautious, conditional path back.
President Donald Trump has publicly taunted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over a G7 photo, posting a meme that said "Restraining order needed" and repeating that she "begged" for a picture. European leaders have rallied to Meloni, and Washington is reviewing U.S. force posture in Europe after allies refused base access for strikes on Iran.
Abderrahim Fakir, a 42-year-old Moroccan-born resident, has died after police restrained him in Bologna. Video showing officers holding him face-down and him pleading for help has sparked street protests, clashes with riot police and a manslaughter investigation; prosecutors have requested officers' bodycam footage and paramedics are also under inquiry.