Parliamentary Political News, edition of 30 May 2024

We are talking about the centenary of Matteotti's assassination. increase in employment and the new 'Gio' unit to intervene in the event of a revolt in prisons

THE CENTENARY OF THE MURDER OF MATTEOTTI IN THE CAMERA

Giacomo Matteotti’s seat will no longer be occupied by anyone. One hundred years after the assassination of the socialist deputy by fascist squads, Montecitorio pays homage to him. President Lorenzo Fontana defines him as “one of the fathers of democracy, victim of fascist squadrism. As a permanent reminder of his sacrifice, his seat will no longer be occupied”. In the courtroom there is the actor Alessandro Preziosi who reads Matteotti’s last speech. Listening to him are all the high officials of the State: Sergio Mattarella, Ignazio La Russa and Giorgia Meloni. “A free and courageous man – the Prime Minister defines him – killed by fascist squad members for his ideas”.

EMPLOYMENT INCREASE, YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT STABLE

In April, employed people increased and unemployment fell, but youth unemployment remained stable at 20.2%. This is the photograph taken by Istat which records 516 thousand more employed people compared to 2023. Above all, permanent contracts and self-employed workers are growing while fixed-term contracts are decreasing by 82 thousand. The unemployment rate drops to 6.9% with -0.2 points. Ugl secretary Paolo Capone draws attention to young people and calls for greater “synergy between public and private to create new jobs”. For Labor Minister Marina Calderone “a new record of employment at 62.3% is good news. We will continue to invest in young people, in women, in skills to bridge the gap between supply and demand”.

SMOKING DOWN, BUT THERE IS ALARM AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE

Six out of ten adults do not smoke, 17% have stopped while one in four Italians regularly lights up a cigarette. This is highlighted by the data from the Higher Institute of Health, released in view of the World No Tobacco Day on May 31st. Among young people, 30.2% use at least one product between a traditional cigarette, heated tobacco or electronic cigarette. Also in this age group the simultaneous use of different products doubles. Over the last 15 years, the percentage of smokers has decreased, but too slowly, the Institute reports, calling for the process to be accelerated by focusing on prevention in schools. There are 223 anti-smoking centers. The region with the highest number is Piedmont with 31, followed by Lombardy with 29 and Veneto with 27.

‘GIO’ ARRIVES, A SPECIALIZED GROUP TO SEDATE PRISON RIOTS

A specialized unit ready to intervene in the event of a revolt in prisons. It is called the Operational Intervention Group – Gio, and was presented today to the Ministry of Justice by the undersecretary, Andrea Delmastro. The group will be made up of approximately 270 agents and will have the task of intervening in the event of an emergency within an hour. Its members will be trained and specialized not in the use of force but of deterrence. An internal call for the selection of resources who will be part of it is planned for July. “The men and women of the penitentiary police will no longer be alone – says Delmastro – just like the non-violent prisoners”.