Milan is facing a critical juncture as rapid urban development and rising housing costs push the middle class out of the city. Meanwhile, Germany is planning a massive investment in defense and infrastructure, signaling a significant shift in its debt strategy. And in Italy, the Jobs Act is under scrutiny after a decade of implementation.
Milan's Housing Woes
The construction boom in Milan, while visually impressive, is exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities. "We have ended up driving away those who cannot afford a home," notes a local observer. The building industry's practices are effectively expelling residents who can't keep up with the skyrocketing housing costs. This has led to a growing sense of unease and calls for intervention.
Milan's Mayor, Beppe Sala, recently addressed the situation, stating that the decision to step back from the "Salva-Milano" initiative is "not a surrender." He emphasized that "in the face of illegalities there is little to say, but it is equally evident that urban planning, from a legislative standpoint, is largely unregulated." Sala stressed the urgent need for a dedicated law to address these regulatory gaps, despite the divided political landscape.
Germany's Economic Turnaround
Across Europe, Germany is embarking on a major economic shift. Merz, a key political figure, aims to change existing regulations to significantly increase spending on defense and infrastructure. This ambitious plan involves investing 1,700 billion euros over the next ten years, effectively re-arming Berlin and revitalizing the economy. This represents a substantial turnaround in Germany's debt strategy.
Jobs Act Under Fire in Italy
In Italy, the Jobs Act, implemented a decade ago, is facing renewed scrutiny. Since March 7, 2015, three and a half million people have been hired under the new regulations, but without the guarantee of job reinstatement in cases of wrongful dismissal. This has sparked controversy, and the CGIL, a major trade union, is promoting a referendum to reverse these changes.
The implications of these policy shifts in Milan, Germany, and Italy are significant, highlighting the complex challenges facing Europe in areas ranging from housing affordability to economic strategy and labor rights.
The Elusive European Army
Finally, the concept of a common European army continues to be sidelined. This long-discussed idea remains an "uncommon defense," consistently overlooked in favor of other priorities.