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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...

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Canada's Inflation Rate Declines to 1.8% in December Amid GST Tax Break

 

Canada's annual inflation rate fell to 1.8% in December 2024, according to Statistics Canada. This decrease is largely attributed to the federal government's temporary tax break on various goods and services, including food purchased from restaurants, alcohol, tobacco, and clothing.

The tax break, which was introduced mid-December, significantly contributed to the deceleration in inflation. Without this tax relief, the inflation rate would have risen to 2.3%. Grocery prices also saw a decline, falling to 1.9% from the previous month.

The Bank of Canada is now closely monitoring these developments as it prepares for its next interest rate decision. Analysts are speculating whether this consistent easing of inflation might prompt further rate cuts.

This report highlights the impact of fiscal policies on inflation and underscores the importance of government interventions in managing economic stability.




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