Centre-left Italian party led by Elly Schlein; main political force in Italy
Como's mayor has announced a measure banning cyclists from riding on about 30 central streets, requiring them to dismount and walk. The move aims to boost public safety amid congestion and a surge in tourist traffic. The policy is part of a broader traffic plan that includes a limited-traffic zone in the historic centre.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced the government will abolish a widely unpopular tax and plans to adopt the measure at Wednesday's cabinet meeting. The reform accompanies a new electoral law designed to deliver clearer winners and oppositions, party lawmakers say ahead of a key vote.
Parliament has approved a shift to a fully proportional system that awards a large bonus of seats to any party or coalition winning at least 42% of the vote. The lower house passed the law 227–164 in a secret ballot. The reform forces pre-election coalitions to name a prime ministerial candidate and programme and will reshape alliance strategy ahead of elections due by October 2027.
Youth-led protests against rising living costs have turned violent in Milan, Bologna and other northern cities. Police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse masked demonstrators who have thrown stones, set fires and looted shops. Authorities have arrested dozens, many of them minors, and political leaders have condemned the disorder.
Italian authorities have expanded security deployments as protests by the October 17 Movement and allied groups intensify across Milan and Rome. Minors figure prominently among those detained; authorities warn of harsher penalties while police increase monitoring and drone surveillance.