A Sovereign Grab for Gold Shakes Global Markets

A dramatic move by Italy’s government has sent shockwaves through the European financial system and propelled gold prices to unprecedented heights. The nation’s right-wing administration is targeting the 2,452 tonnes of gold reserves held by the Bank of Italy, seeking to transfer ownership to the state. This breach of a long-standing taboo strikes at the core of the eurozone’s foundations and has already helped catapult gold above $4,200 per ounce. The situation forces a critical examination: in an era of rising sovereign debt, who truly controls central bank gold?

This initiative, introduced via an amendment to the 2026 budget law by Senator Lucio Malan of the ruling Brothers of Read more...