World
Meloni says 'we are making history' as Italy’s FDI reviews progress
Fratelli d’Italia met to review achievements and prepare for EU-mandated budgetary adjustments amid controversy surrounding culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.
Almost two years in office, the Fratelli d’Italia (FDI) party met on Wednesday for a key council to review the government’s progress and the agenda for the next few months, including the 2025 budget law.
The aim of the gathering was “to assess the work done so far” and “set the agenda for the coming months,” with the budget law being the main item on the table.
The procedure to approve the budget will begin soon, with the submission of a structural plan by 20 September. Approval is crucial as Italy is still under the European Union’s “excessive deficit procedure,” which requires the country to bring its deficit-to-GDP ratio below 3% by 2026.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the meeting was historic, telling party members “We are making history,” as they tackle Italy’s economic and political future.
Tax cuts, family support, and job growth
“Italy has one of the lowest inflation rates among G7 countries and the employment rate is at record highs, above the European average”, said FDI Senator Lucio Malan, summarising Meloni’s words at the closed-door meeting. “Italy is gaining more international recognition. We will continue on this path with a plan to implement policies that support businesses, families, and workers”.
Meloni’s government is under pressure to comply with the EU’s fiscal rules, which require deficit and debt reduction from 2025. The meeting was a key moment to define how Italy will face these challenges.
“The 2025 budget will be focused on tax cuts, Italian families and employment,” an FDI member said.
Culture minister controversy lingers
While the budget was the main item on the agenda, the meeting also touched on other hot political topics, including the ongoing controversy surrounding Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.
In her opening remarks, Meloni reportedly made a pointed statement, saying: “Breaks are not allowed and mistakes are not permitted,” which many interpreted as a veiled reference to the recent scandal involving the minister.
Sangiuliano has denied Maria Rosaria Boccia’s allegations concerning her appointment as his advisor and the use of public funds to pay her. But the scandal has raised questions about the government’s credibility. For now, Meloni has not asked for the minister’s resignation but has said further investigations are ongoing.
The Italian Prime Minister, who still has high approval ratings according to recent polls, wants to guide her government through the financial and political obstacles ahead.
“Italy’s international reputation has improved significantly and we will build on this by implementing policies that support businesses and families”, Lucio Malan said.
How Meloni’s administration handles these key issues, including the upcoming budget law and the unfolding political scandal, will be key factors in ensuring she completes the government’s five-year term.
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Ten years after the UK voted to exit the European Union, the debate over Brexit’s legacy is far from over. MEPs Barry Andrews (Renew Europe) and Sander Smit (European Conservatives & Reformists) go head-to-head on whether Brexit has strengthened or weakened Europe—and whether Britain could or should one day return to the bloc.
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For Irish MEP Barry Andrews, the answer is clear. He argues that leaving the EU was a mistake and a “total disaster” for the UK, pointing to years of political instability and economic challenges since the referendum. He also contends that Brexit has ultimately strengthened support for the European project, stating that “there is nobody looking to leave the European Union anymore.”
Dutch MEP Sander Smit takes a different view, saying the EU still misses “the UK’s crucial voice for fiscal and financial discipline” and warning against a more centralised Europe. “Our future lies in a stronger partnership,” he says. “Let the UK and EU countries move beyond the past and work together as natural, sovereign allies.”
The Ring is hosted by Méabh Mc Mahon, produced by Luis Albertos Altarejos and Amaia Echevarria, and edited by Vassilis Glynos.
You can contact us at: thering@euronews.com
World
Kim Jong Un calls for North Korea to build 2 large warships per year in major naval expansion push: report
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday called for a major expansion of the country’s naval forces, suggesting the regime should build two large warships each year for the next five years.
Speaking at a commissioning ceremony for a new destroyer, Kim suggested North Korea should build two warships comparable in size to its 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class vessel each year over the next five years, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim was celebrating the deployment of the new multipurpose destroyer at the port of Nampho. In April, he observed launches of two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from the vessel.
The destroyer successfully completed military operational tests over the past 14 months, according to KCNA.
KIM JONG UN OVERSEES CRUISE MISSILE LAUNCHES FROM PRIZED NEW NORTH KOREAN WARSHIP
North Korea launched two cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon, April 12, according to North Korean state media. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP)
Kim previously hailed the development of the Choe Hyon as a major step toward expanding the operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities of North Korea’s military.
Kim also said the navy’s nuclearization is “advancing along its own course,” contributing to the country’s nuclear deterrence.
The naval buildup comes as Kim seeks to strengthen what analysts have long viewed as one of the weaker branches of North Korea’s military.
NORTH KOREA RELAUNCHES WARSHIP THAT SUFFERED EMBARRASSING FAILURE DURING INITIAL LAUNCH
The new multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyon during its commissioning ceremony at Nampho port, North Korea, Tuesday. (KCNA via REUTERS)
KCNA reported that Kim intends to deploy another 5,000-ton destroyer, the Kang Kon, along with larger 10,000-ton strategic warships.
The Kang Kon was first unveiled in May of last year but was damaged during a failed launch at the northern port city of Chongjin. The vessel was later relaunched following repairs.
By adding new capabilities, North Korea’s navy would become “something incredible beyond imagination,” Kim said.
NORTH KOREA RELEASES IMAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR-POWERED SUBMARINE
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the commissioning ceremony of the new multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyon at Nampho port, North Korea, Tuesday. (KCNA via Reuters)
“Building a modernized naval base has emerged as a desperate and essential task,” he added.
State media reported that Kim is also reviewing plans to construct new naval bases.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes strategic cruise and anti-warship missiles test-fired from the destroyer Choe Hyon, April 12. (Korean Central News Agency/Reuters)
Speaking during a meeting of the Workers’ Party’s Central Committee on Monday, Kim said the navy would undergo changes to its status, role and scope of operations.
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He did not elaborate on what those changes would entail.
Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman-Diamond and Reuters contributed to this report.
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