Giorgia Meloni under investigation and Macron’s Louvre promise
Jan 29, 2025
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Georgia Scaturo, a London-based Italian reporter, delves into the investigation surrounding Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for repatriating a Libyan warlord despite an ICC warrant. She discusses the political fallout and broader implications for European immigration. Meanwhile, Nick Manisse, Monocle's design editor, reveals Emmanuel Macron's ambitious plans to restore the Louvre to its former glory and highlights the significance of the upcoming Serpentine Pavilion designed by Marina Tabassum, focusing on cultural heritage in architecture.
Giorgia Meloni's investigation underscores the complexities of Italy's political relations with Libya amid ongoing legal and ethical concerns regarding war crimes.
Emmanuel Macron's ambitious Louvre renovation plan reflects his commitment to national heritage restoration while navigating financial constraints through potential private funding.
Deep dives
Investigation into Italy's Prime Minister
Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, is facing a serious investigation related to the controversial release of Libyan official Osama Najim, who is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court. Najim was detained in Turin during a football match but was subsequently repatriated to Libya after the Rome Court of Appeal did not validate the ICC warrant due to delays in formal approval from the Minister of Justice. Critics allege that Meloni's government committed abetting and embezzlement by using a state plane for Najim's repatriation, with the ICC expressing concern over not being consulted before the move. This incident reveals deeper implications regarding Italy's political ties with Libya, especially concerning immigration and energy deals rooted in historical agreements between the two nations.
Serbia's Political Crisis
Serbia is undergoing significant political turmoil, characterized by the recent resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic following violent protests linked to a tragic rail disaster. The protests intensified after students were attacked while protesting, leading Vucevic to prioritize restoring calm in the country. In a move to de-escalate tensions, President Aleksandar Vucic announced pardons for some protesters, reflecting an unprecedented approach in his governance. Despite these measures, protests continued, as many students expressed dissatisfaction with Vucic's handling of the situation, indicating that the political climate remains volatile.
Macron's Louvre Overhaul Plan
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a comprehensive renovation plan for the Louvre Museum, aimed at addressing its deteriorating condition and modernizing its facilities. The estimated cost of around 800 million euros over ten years indicates a significant financial commitment, raising concerns about funding sources due to current government budget constraints. The project is expected to rely on private contributions, reflecting a trend where wealthy individuals, such as LVMH's Bernard Arnault, could be called upon for financial support amid a challenging economic climate. This ambitious plan follows Macron's previous success with the rebuilding of Notre Dame, suggesting that he seeks to galvanize public and private support for national heritage amid political challenges.
Resolution of the Whisky War
Denmark and Canada's long-standing dispute over Hans Island, informally dubbed the Whisky War, has culminated in a diplomatic agreement to split the uninhabited land. The dispute originated from historical claims that left the island’s sovereignty ambiguous, leading to light-hearted interactions including the exchange of whiskey bottles between the two nations. In 2022, both countries reached a resolution that delineates the border on the island, illustrating a successful example of peaceful conflict resolution between allied nations. The agreement highlights the importance of collaborative governance and historical ties, particularly amidst recent tensions surrounding Donald Trump's interest in Greenland.
Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, is under investigation for repatriating a Libyan warlord despite an active ICC arrest warrant and Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vučić, pardons 13 people facing charges following weeks of protests in the country. Then: Emmanuel Macron promises to return the Louvre to its former glory and Marina Tabassum is to design the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion. Plus: lessons for Greenland: Denmark and Canada’s “Whiskey War”.