The Monday Briefing is back! Let’s get you up to date on what has happened in the past week.
From internet blackouts in Sudan as the civil war rages 10 months on, to the detention of political opponents in Venezuela, and Greece legalizing same-sex marriage. We dedicate a special focus to Alexei Navalny’s death.
All this and much, much more in our latest issue. Have a read to start your week well informed!
Spotlight: Alexei Navalny’s death: a new reckoning for Russian politics?
by Elisa Latora
On Friday morning news spread feverishly of Alexei Navalny’s death in prison. The Russian opposition leader had been sentenced in 2023 to a cumulative three decades in jail on charges that had long been condemned as being politically motivated. Some included: “creating an illegal NGO, the rehabilitation of Nazism, and inciting children to dangerous acts”. Navalny had been detained ever since making his return to Moscow in January 2021. He was coming back from Germany where he had been treated for nerve agent poisoning suffered on a Russian plane several months earlier. Navalny blamed the poisoning on the Kremlin. Following a joint investigation by The Insider and Bellingcat, agents from Russia’s Federal Security Service were implicated in Navalny’s poisoning.
For the past decade Navalny has unquestionably embodied Russian opposition against Putin. His death leaves a massive gap wherein, even though political miscontent is widespread across the country, opposition movements lack a nationwide and concrete plan. All notable opposition leaders, along with Navalny, Kara-Murza and Yashin, are either jailed, exiled or dead. Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya, pledged to continue her husband’s work to build a democratic Russia. On Friday, she called on the international community to punish “this horrific regime.” “I want Putin and everyone around him to know that they will be held accountable for everything they did to our country, to my family,” she said at the Munich Security Conference.
“Make no mistake. Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death” were the words of US President Biden. EU president, Ursula von der Leyen, said they would spare no efforts to hold the Russian political leadership and authorities to account. Putin’s iron fist seems to be closing in. Over the weekend at least 400 people were detained in Russia for protesting the death of Navalny, while Russian media outlets coverage of the death has been minimal. Putin has not yet commented on Navalny’s death, but has labelled Western leaders’ reactions as “hysterical” and “absolutely unacceptable.” It seems clear that Navalny’s death could only serve to deteriorate any attempts at re-establishing a dialogue with the West.
Around the World
by Chiara Todesco and Vatsal Aggarwal
Sudan hit by internet blackout as civil war continues. [link to BBC News]
10 months in the civil war that is devastating Sudan. Over the past week the country has been hit by an internet blackout blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, that is further complicating aid delivery to the country. The network blackout could also freeze e-wallets, that many people depend on, amid a widespread cash shortage. Aid agencies have warned of the rise of famine. The UN has urged countries to give an economic contribution of 4.1 billion dollars to meet the civilians’ humanitarian needs.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy hails Ukraine defence deals with Germany and France. [link to FT]
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy signed 10-year defense accords with Germany and France, solidifying support amid challenges in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. The agreements, totaling €7.1 billion from Germany and up to €3 billion from France, aim to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities. This comes as U.S. aid faces delays, with European nations, including Britain, expressing solidarity. While France disputes claims of providing less weaponry, training efforts and support from over 30 countries signify a collective stance. Despite challenges and doubts over U.S. assistance, the accords signal a diplomatic push for European backing in Ukraine’s prolonged conflict.
WHO says Gaza’s Nasser hospital not functional after Israel raids. [link to BBC News]
On Thursday, Israel Defense Force (IDF) troops entered the Nasser hospital, one of the last active hospitals on the Gaza strip. The IDF explained that intelligence had indicated hostages taken by Hamas were being held there. Ever since the attack, the WHO has not been allowed to enter the hospital and asses the conditions of patients. Hamas representatives have communicated that only four medical staff were left at the hospital to take care of the patients.
In Venezuela, You’re a Critic One Day, and Arrested the Next. [link to NYT]
The detention of Rocío San Miguel in Venezuela marks a dark cloud for the future of free elections in Venezuela. This is the same week when, in an extraordinary move, Venezuela’s government has expelled the U.N. Human Rights Agency. A critic of the current Maduro regime, Ms. Miguel and her family have been detained by counterintelligence agents and reportedly kept at Helicoide. Previous UN reports have documented torture, beatings, and electrical shock on detainees at this facility. The detention itself is being viewed as a bold attempt, as Ms. Miguel is a world-known securities expert and is reported to have strong contacts in the military. Despite these strong credentials that could pose barriers for the regime, the incident shows the extent to which the Maduro regime is willing to go to keep its power.
Greece legalises same-sex marriage. [link to BBC News]
On Thursday, Greece has become the first Catholic-Orthodox majority country to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption for same-sex couples. The decision has come with protests in Athens from the powerful Church, accusing the measure of disrupting the country’s social cohesion. The bill, that needed a simple majority of the 300 members’ Parliament, passed with 176 votes in favor and 76 votes against. This bill has been considered a success for the LGBTQ+ movements, making Greece the first southern-eastern European country to approve such a law.
Egypt Is Reportedly Building a Wall Near Gaza Border. [link to NYT]
Keeping in line with its past position on the issue of not offering refuge to the displaced Gazans, Egypt has reportedly started building a wall along the buffer zone it shares with the city of Rafah that is currently being overflooded with fleeing Gazans. Analysis of satellite imagery and anonymous testimony by construction engineers suggests that Egypt started work on 5th February to build a 16 feet wall to prepare for the potential influx of refugees escaping the war. It is estimated that around 1.5 million people are in Rafah, close to the border with Egypt, and have now been told to evacuate as Israeli military plans soon to focus action in the area.
Senegal election delay ruled unlawful. [link to BBC News]
In Senegal, President Macky Sall had made a decree early February to postpone the elections scheduled for February 25 because of concerns over the eligibility of opposition candidates. His proposal was supported by the Parliament that approved holding the election on December 15. On Friday, however, the Constitutional Council annulled both the president’s decree and the parliamentarian bill. The announcement has been followed by widespread protests, while the opposition has defined it a great day for democracy.
Italian News
by Zoe Di Lieto and Pietro Ferrari
È stato approvato il progetto definitivo del ponte sullo Stretto di Messina. [link to Il Post]
3,3 chilometri di lunghezza, 8 anni previsti di realizzazione e 11 miliardi di euro stanziati per il progetto più famoso e controverso d’Italia. È stato approvato il progetto definitivo rivisitato del 2011 per la costruzione del ponte sullo Stretto di Messina. Dopo anni di incertezze, si è arrivati a una conclusione sulla somma totale dei costi, aumentata rispetto al primo progetto del 2005. Il ministro dei Trasporti Matteo Salvini, convinto sostenitore di questa infrastruttura, ha dichiarato che il cantiere sarà operativo entro fine 2024. Tuttavia, la procedura per ottenere l’abilitazione ad aprire i cantieri non è ancora iniziata e devono ancora essere[PF7] [EL8] [PF9] valutati i possibili impatti ambientali. Al centro delle critiche da parte dell’opposizione i costi esorbitanti e la stessa utilità di questo ponte. L’opera, la cui idea è letteralmente vecchia come l’Italia, è stata la chimera di molti governi italiani, sopratutto di quelli a guida Berlusconi.
Incidente in cantiere a Firenze. Schlein: «Su sicurezza sul lavoro pronti a dialogo col governo». [link to Il Corriere]
La mattina di venerdì 16 febbraio la Toscana è stata sconvolta da una tragedia: un cantiere per la costruzione di un supermercato Esselunga è crollando, intrappolando gli operai all’interno. Le vittime ufficiali sono quattro, ma c’è ancora un disperso da ritrovare e il pessimismo cresce di ora in ora. Ovviamente un caso come questo ha riacceso il dibattito politico circa la sicurezza sul lavoro, con la segretaria del PD Elle Schlein che ha annunciato che è pronta a lavorare con il governo sul tema.
Iscrizioni a scuola, il 55,63% sceglie il liceo: primo lo scientifico. [link to Il Sole 24 Ore]
L’annuale rapporto sulle iscrizioni alle scuole superiori dipinge un ritratto della società Italiana che abbiamo ormai imparato a conoscere. Oltre uno studente su due sceglie un liceo, a partire dallo scientifico (26%) fino al classico (solo il 5%). Numeri importanti anche per gli istituti tecnici e professionali, che raccolgono la maggior parte dei restanti nuovi iscritti. Flop assoluto invece per i nuovi programmi lanciati dal governo: il 4+2 raccoglie solo 1669 iscrizioni mentre il liceo del Made in Italy si arena a sole 375.
Bocconi news
After an intense exam session after the Christmas holidays, we are back on campus and being promptly faced with new challenges. In late January, CIVICA students from Bocconi, Hertie School, IE, SGH Warsaw, and LSE attended seminars on current global issues. At the beginning of February, Associations on display started off the new semester. Though our energy may not be the same as it was at the start of the year, spring is approaching. This brings with it lunches on the grass of Bocconi Ravizza and Women’s Day, during which an interesting conference will take place featuring extraordinary Bocconi Alumnae, including Bianca Arrighini, co-founder of Factanza. Additionally, Bocconi offers a series of events to take care of your mental health, such as a workshop on how to handle anxiety or an interesting opportunity to discuss sexuality and well-being. Lastly, SDA enters the Global Top 3 of the Financial Times’ 2024 Global MBA Ranking. Next Sunday marks the decisive clash between Bocconi and Politecnico di Milano, when three matches will be featured: five-a-side football, volleyball, 3×3 basketball, and 5-a-side. Find the energy to face this last semester and don’t miss out on upcoming events you may enjoy!
Upcoming Events:
- Workshop: How to handle anxiety? | February 28 | 6 – 7 PM | Campus Life Space
- Movie screening – “Air” directed by Ben Affleck | February 23 | 4.30 PM | Room Zappa, via Sarfatti 25
- Let’s Talk … on campus! – Consultation with a Bocconi Counselor | Every week, on Mondays from 1 to 2 PM and Fridays from 12 to 1 PM | Campus Life Area (Room 1, 2), via Bocconi 12.
- Let’s Talk: Sexuality and your Well-being | February 27 (in Italian) and February 28 (in English) | 2 PM – 6.30 PM | Campus Life Space, via Bocconi 12.
- Bocconi vs Politecnico Final Match | February 25 | 5.30 – 8.00 PM | Bocconi Sport Center (Arena on 2nd floor)
- Changed by women | March 8 | 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Aula Magna, Via Roentgen 1
Every week, your TiL Monday Briefing 🗞: you better read it with a cup of coffee! ☕️
Head of the Monday Briefing column: Diego de Carvalho. Current writing staff: Alice di Terlizzi, Andreas Manolopoulos, Anouk Lainé, Daniel Dishdishyan, Derinsu Polat, Riccardo de Ambroggi, Ruben Gianzini. Cartoons by Polina Mednikova. The Monday Briefing column was established in its current form in 2021 by Bojan Zeric.
I'm Chiara Todesco, I live in Milan where I'm attending the first year at Bocconi’s bachelor in International Politics and Government. I have done classical studies at liceo classico Carducci and I'm interested in humanities and politics. I like to study and deepen my knowledge about international dynamics. I'm active in my territory as “consigliera di municipio”.
I have spent most of my life in India before recently moving to Milan, where I am pursuing an MSc in Finance at Bocconi. I am interested in politics, art and culture, cinema, and travelling. Through my writing, I aspire to document important voices and present opinions. In my free time, I try to keep up with my movies-to-watch list, sample as many restaurants as I can, and find cats to pet.
Hi, it’s Zoe Di Lieto here, student from the Economic and social sciences course here in Bocconi. I grew up in Rome and I’ve only recently moved to Milan for university. I’m a passionate reader, I love to travel and I like to play a little guitar occasionally. I’d say the fields I’m most interested in are literature, philosophy and cultures, especially how different cultural background affects social behavior.
I am a cosmopolitan human being, deeply passionate about journalism, political economics, equality and sustainability. I started reading and writing at the age of 4, which have been my lifelong saviors. As a child, I enjoyed playing and painting. Furthermore, my wanderlust has led me through scout, exchange and Interrail adventures. Now, as a former 'BIG' student, I immerse myself in politics and policy analysis, creating new kind of canvases and traveling by data.
Having lived both in Italy and the UK, I enjoy exploring how multiculturalism affects our personal identities. I use language, writing and journalism as tools to decipher the world around me. And, I will of course never turn down a lively convo about current news. With a degree in Economic and Social sciences, I’m now pursuing a master’s in Politics and Policy Analysis.