Next week's visit to Italy by Chinese Premier Xi Jinping has nearly everyone jittery. The recent announcement by Five Star Movement Leader Luigi Di Maio that his country is prepared to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with China to be a part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative has set off a firestorm of … Continue reading Italy Courting China is a Masterstroke of Chaos
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Salvini the Kidnapper Officially Has the EU Scared
A court in Sicily has ruled that Interior Minister, leader of The League and all-around Euroskeptic bad-ass Matteo Salvini should stand trial for kidnapping migrants held in abeyance off Italy's shores. “I confess,” Salvini said in a video posted to his Facebook page, “there is no need for a trial. It’s true, I did it … Continue reading Salvini the Kidnapper Officially Has the EU Scared
Salvini Takes Control of Europe’s Future
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini just declared himself the leader of the Europe's future. He refuses to budge one inch in negotiations with the European Union over Italy's budget now threatening to take down the government. And in doing this he not only speaks for Italians, he is now speaking for that growing part of … Continue reading Salvini Takes Control of Europe’s Future
Private Blog – Market Report: Thankful for Italy
By Going Nuclear the EU Has Already Lost Its Battle with Italy
"Here's where we hold 'em by the nose, and kick 'em in the ass" — Patton If you ever want to know who’s losing an argument simply look at who’s doing the most threatening. Not who’s shouting the loudest or who’s the angriest, but who is threatening. Those who threaten are doing so because they … Continue reading By Going Nuclear the EU Has Already Lost Its Battle with Italy
Salvini Stoking Italian Risk on Eve of Bavarian Elections
So, let's talk Germany v. Italy in a no-holds barred, tag-team grudge match for control over the future of the European Union. Because, make no mistake, that is exactly what is on the table when we analyze what is happening in the EU. Man of Many Hats, Matteo Salvini, is in the driver's seat pushing … Continue reading Salvini Stoking Italian Risk on Eve of Bavarian Elections
Looks Like Italian Default is Back on the Menu
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini was right to call out the EU over the failure of the bridge in Genoa this week. It was an act of cheap political grandstanding but one that ultimately rings very true. It's a perfect moment to shake people out of their complacency as to the real costs of … Continue reading Looks Like Italian Default is Back on the Menu
Merkel’s Troubles Began in Syria and End in Italy
It looks like we are entering the end of Merkel-ism in Europe. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is approaching her final days in that position. Be it next week or the end of this year, we are looking at unprecedented change in European politics thanks to Merkel's insistence on taking in millions of Syrian and North … Continue reading Merkel’s Troubles Began in Syria and End in Italy