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Polls open in Italy in snap election for new parliament
Over 50 million Italy citizens, including some 4.7 million living abroad, are eligible to cast their ballots at 61,566 polling stations, which will remain open from 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) to 11 p.m. (2100 GMT) local time, Xinhua news agency reported. They are set to choose the 400 deputies and 200 senators that will form the two houses of the next assembly.
Far-right politician Salvini says he's ready to lead Italy
The alliance is made up of the Brothers of Italy, the populist and anti-immigrant Lega led by Salvini, and Forza Italia, led by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. However, of that grouping, the Brothers of Italy are strongest, meaning party leader Giorgia Meloni would have the best chance of replacing Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who resigned last month, triggering turmoil. If the right-wing alliance wins, such a government would be problematic for migration policy and relations with the EU, among other things, after Draghi was seen abroad as a guarantor of stability.
Iran says latest 'destructive' statement proves GCC's 'strategic bewilderment'
Such "threadbare" GCC statements fail to have any other function but create regional tensions, and are apparently aimed at "neutralising" the outcomes of the Islamic republic's diplomatic move and interactions with neighbours, friendly states and partners, said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh on Thursday.
Italy's oil imports from Russia quadruple since February: Reports
A story published in the Financial Times on Friday reported that Italy had quadrupled the amount of Russian crude oil it imports to 450,000 barrels per day. The dramatic increase is due to a distorting impact of sanctions against Russia, the report said.
Italy supports Finland-Sweden NATO bid while Turkey says no
Draghi met the press on Wednesday along with Finland's visiting Prime Minister Sanna Marin at Palazzo Chigi, the seat of Italy's government, Xinhua news agency reported. He said that Italy was willing to speed up the two applicant countries' accession procedures. Draghi said that the application for membership in the military alliance was sparked by security worries in the wake of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Italy ends opposition to ruble-denominated payments for Russian gas
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi had been opposed to paying for Russian gas in rubles, after Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to shut off gas to "unfriendly" countries if they refused to pay for gas supplies. In late March, Italy announced Draghi discussed the situation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The leaders said then that they rejected the calls for payment in rubles, insisting that euro-denominated contracts be respected, Xinhua news agency reported.
Italy lowers fuel taxes to help tackle surging prices
According to a statement from the office of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, liquified petroleum gas, and all forms of natural gas will be lowered starting Tuesday, until at least July 8, reports Xinhua news agency.
Italy, Romania expel 40 Russian diplomats
"This measure, taken in agreement with other European and Atlantic partners, was necessary for reasons related to national security," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Also on Tuesday, Romania decided to expel ten Russian diplomats. Spain will expel 27 Russian diplomats and embassy staff in the next few days, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has said.
'Bahraini crown prince to visit Israel soon'
The Hebrew-language Ynet news site quoted Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani as saying that the crown prince accepted the invitation and would visit Israel "soon." During his visit to the Gulf kingdom, the first by an Israeli leader, Bennett met with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince al-Khalifa, several ministers, and representatives of the Bahraini Jewish community, Xinhua news agency reported.
Italian President Mattarella sworn in for 2nd term
His re-election, which Parliament voted with a broad majority on January 29, came after the country's major political forces failed to find a deal on a possible successor, reports Xinhua news agency. Although initially reluctant, Mattarella accepted to serve a second term citing a" sense of responsibility during the (current) health and economic emergency" linked to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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