Matteo Piantedosi returns from the summit of Mediterranean Interior Ministers, which this time was held in the Canary Islands, the Spanish islands through which the most frequented route for migrants wanting to enter Europe passes at the moment. In Italy, the flow from Tunisia has decreased, but certainly not stopped, nor from the border to the East, while there is a constant increase in entries from Bangladesh. The new Asian route worries the government. Which announces countermeasures.
Will you extend controls at the Slovenian border?
«The checks proved fruitful on a particularly sensitive route. From 21 October 2023 to today, 2,613 irregular foreigners have been traced, of which 1,542 have been rejected. 142 subjects were arrested, of which 73 for aiding and abetting illegal immigration. With Slovenia and Croatia we are working to share a strengthening of control of the external border with Bosnia. As soon as possible we will restore free movement.”
Meanwhile, arrivals from Bangladesh are increasing. Are you worried about the Asian route?
«Economic migrants arrive from that country who take advantage of tourist visas obtained in some transit countries. We are working with the latter to put a stop to these dynamics.”
In light of the Iuventa ruling, can it be said that the accusation of NGOs of acting as “sea taxis” was not justified? What is your opinion on their role and their work in the Mediterranean?
«The affair and the related slogans belong to a period that did not affect the action of this Government which, more concretely, has always been oriented exclusively towards affirming the need for the coordination of rescues at sea to be attributable to the authorities established by international regulations and Italian. And this is precisely because of the delicacy of the matter and to prevent spontaneity and “pull factors” from affecting the priority need to safeguard the safety and lives of people.”
The opposition accuses her of having lied to the Senate about the Mare Jonio. The images show that the Libyan Coast Guard opened fire on the Mediterranea ship. What does he answer?
«The accusations represent a mystification of the facts on which, on the contrary, I reported on the basis of official documents from the competent authorities. It is worrying that the political conflict on such an important issue as immigration leads some to carry out dangerous and exploitative actions or to support seriously false theses.
On Wednesday you were in Tunis with Meloni. Do you foresee a new landing emergency this summer?
Last week’s visit with President Meloni to Tunis represents the continuation of a collaboration that is proving to be fruitful and strategic. Italy and Tunisia are divided only by a short stretch of sea and share a centuries-old history. The two countries are mutually important to each other and I believe it was a mistake of the past to have neglected it for too long. I trust that the positive data from these first months of collaboration can also constitute a good omen for the months to come.”
Is Saied cooperating? Will you give other funds and resources to his government?
«President Saied is directing his country towards an important friendship with Italy. Tunisia is suffering the effects of the criminal action of unscrupulous traffickers on its territory and has agreed to manage the problem with us and with Europe. He shares with us a vision of total rejection of the humanitarian disasters and tragedies that are caused by human trafficking.”
When will the centers in Albania be operational? Are there other countries where you will replicate the experiment?
«The Ministry has already awarded the management of the services to be provided in the centres. The military engineers are working hard to rapidly create the infrastructure necessary for the opening of the centres, with the aim of completing them as soon as possible. At the moment there are no other identifications but I remember that thanks to the Italian initiatives Europe is starting to look at these projects with interested eyes, projects which are also permitted by the regulations relating to the new Migration and Asylum Pact, recently approved by the EU with the important contribution from Italy”.
Salvini and the League have rejected the EU Pact on migrants. Do you promote it?
«The Government had to carry out negotiations and mediation between 27 countries that have different sensitivities. We have therefore accepted a point of balance and the regulatory framework is now more favorable to Italy. The possibility that the individual political forces of the various countries had, who were able to vote for individual points on the various regulations that make up the regulations, was different”.
With the tensions in the Middle East, is the threat of attacks being raised in our country too?
«The conflict seems to fuel new extremisms. Of particular concern is a resurgence of anti-Semitism. It is too early to say whether the situation could then lead to an increase in the terrorist risk. However, we have raised the level of attention: just think of the figure of the people, 55, who we have expelled from 7 October to today due to the risk of terrorism and radicalisation”.
Will you increase resources and agents to guard sensitive objectives?
«We’ve already done it. The increase in human resources and equipment of the police force was one of the Government’s first objectives. Last year we hired more than 15,000 units including Police, Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza, of which approximately 3,600 net of turnover, and we have budgeted resources to continue along this path this year and in the years to come”.
The Committee for Public Order and Security has shined a spotlight on lone wolves. Do you have a list of people under observation? Are you afraid that they might be activated now?
«It is the type of risk that we fear the most but as I have already told you, the widespread attention to the subjects who can be attracted by these dynamics has so far averted the danger».
Are there more serious concerns for April 25th this year than in the past? Have you taken special measures?
«As with any anniversary full of symbolic meanings, specific prevention services are also set up for April 25th. There is attention but without alarmism because there are no specific elements of concern.”
What results is the work of the three commissioners sent to Bari producing? Are there any grounds for a commissionership?
«It is absolutely too early to say and as we have underlined the ongoing inspection is not at all prejudicially aimed at a commissionership. There is an access commission that is working and we have to wait for its results.”
Can Decaro and Emiliano be considered politically responsible for what is emerging from the investigations?
«It is not my habit to comment on the actions of the leaders of other institutions. Any responsibilities of anyone must be ascertained in the designated offices.”
Let’s close with politics. Could he run for governor in Campania?
“I have already said several times that I am totally absorbed in the role I am holding at the top of the administration that I have served all my life, and that I would not leave for any reason.”
Bossi says the League needs a new leader. Agree?
«I believe that the members of the League all owe gratitude to Matteo Salvini, who has revived the fortunes of the party making it permanently relevant in the country’s political system».
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