Italy’s government has intervened in talks over the proposed sale by Gedi of La Repubblica and La Stampa, two of the country’s most influential newspapers.
On Friday, cabinet undersecretary for Information and Publishing Alberto Barachini met senior management at the Gedi media group. He urged executives to ensure job protection and editorial independence amid reports of an imminent sale.
Gedi is owned by Exor, the holding company controlled by the Agnelli-Elkann family. Earlier this week, the group confirmed to staff that it plans to sell most of its media assets by January.
Greek shipping magnate Theodore Kyriakou is reportedly bidding to acquire the newspapers through his media group Antenna. The deal would include La Repubblica, La Stampa, HuffPost Italia, and several national radio stations.
During the Rome meeting, Barachini asked Gedi for detailed information on the negotiations. He said any agreement must include guarantees for employment levels and editorial autonomy. He described the newspapers as a vital part of Italy’s pluralistic media ecosystem.
Journalists launch industrial action in protest
Barachini is also meeting internal union representatives from La Repubblica and La Stampa. Journalists at both outlets have launched industrial action in protest at the planned sale.
At La Repubblica, staff held a strike on Friday, halting website updates and cancelling the Saturday print edition. Journalists said they are ready for a prolonged dispute without firm job guarantees.
At La Stampa, the editorial board declared a publishing blackout and permanent assembly. Reporters demanded an employment continuity clause in any sale agreement.
Tensions rose further after it emerged that Antenna may not be interested in acquiring La Stampa. One option under discussion would see the historic Turin-based newspaper sold separately to another buyer.
Opposition parties have called on the government to intervene more forcefully. The centre-left Democratic Party urged ministers to consider using so-called golden powers to protect national interests.
Party leader Elly Schlein warned that the sale risks weakening a cornerstone of Italy’s democratic and civic heritage.
