A son of a notorious Cosa Nostra mafia boss sparked outrage in Corleone, Sicily, by posting a message on social media that was deemed a “vile attack” on the Italian state. Giuseppe Salvatore Riina, son of Salvatore “Totò” Riina, wished followers a “happy holiday” from a town address named after an anti-mafia judge. The current mayor condemned the act as “cowardly” and affirmed the town’s resolve to move forward. The post was later edited to remove the controversial reference. Salvuccio Riina, who served time for mafia-related crimes, returned to Corleone, prompting unease among the town’s leaders. They denounced his actions…

Italy’s far-right government faced backlash for allegedly removing references to abortion and LGBTQ rights from the final declaration of the G7 summit in Puglia. The omission of phrases like “gender identity and sexual orientation” and “abortion” sparked controversy, with critics accusing the government of diluting important commitments. The involvement of Pope Francis in the summit was linked to the removal of LGBTQ references, highlighting the government’s stance on these issues. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed disappointment over the changes, leading to a clash between the two leaders. Since coming to power, Italy’s government has implemented policies against the LGBTQ community,…

When Giorgia Meloni met Joe Biden at the White House in March, he played Ray Charles’s Georgia on My Mind as she entered the room. “We have each other’s backs,” he later told reporters, before planting a tender kiss on her forehead as the meeting wrapped up. The Italian prime minister, known for her chameleon-like communication skills, has managed to forge a warm relationship with the US president, despite concerns over her party’s neofascist history. As Europe grapples with right-wing advances, Meloni is set to host the G7 summit in Puglia, aiming to bolster her international standing. Empowered by her…