Italy extends fuel tax cut until May, dozens missing after migrant boat capsizes, and more news on Tuesday.
Italy extends fuel tax cut until May
Italy’s government has extended a temporary cut in fuel excise taxes for 30 days, after it was brought in to keep the cost of petrol and diesel below two euros a litre.
“We are extending the reduction of excise duties already in force, which would have expired on Easter Monday, until the first of May,” Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said on Friday.
After May 1st, “international geopolitical developments, which are clearly beyond our control, will determine whether other types of measures may be needed,” he added.
The price of diesel fuel has rocketed by more than 30 percent across Europe since the start of the Middle East war, highlighting the continent’s dependence on imported energy.
Two dead and dozens missing after migrant boat capsizes
Dozens of people were still missing on Monday after a boat capsized in the central Mediterranean.
Two people died and 32 were rescued from the boat, which had left Libya on Saturday afternoon with around 105 people on board, according to charity Mediterranea Saving Humans.
“Tragic Easter shipwreck. 32 survivors, two bodies recovered and more than 70 people missing,” the NGO wrote on X, adding that the boat capsized in a search-and-rescue zone handled by Libyan authorities.
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Charity Sea-Watch said two commercial ships saved the survivors and took them to the Italian island of Lampedusa.
An aerial video it posted showed two men clinging to the hull of the capsized vessel, and the approach of one of the commercial ships.
Lampedusa is a key entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa to Europe.
Italy appoints new tourism minister after resignation
Italy’s president formally appointed a new tourism minister on Friday, replacing Daniela Santanche who resigned late last month amid allegations of fraud.
She was replaced by Gianmarco Mazzi, who previously served as undersecretary of state for culture, AFP reported.
Santanche had been under pressure for months over various investigations related to her business activities before being made minister.
She is currently being tried in Milan over allegations that a publishing house she formerly ran falsified its financial reports. She has maintained her innocence.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly urged her to quit after the government lost a key referendum last month.