In recent times, Italy has been facing a surge in illegal immigration, and there are claims that these numbers have increased since the rise of Giorgia Meloni to power.
The issue of illegal immigration remains a significant challenge for Italy, as the country grapples with a steady influx of undocumented migrants. The situation has raised concerns about border security, humanitarian aid, and political decision-making.
While Italy has been a destination for migrants for years, the numbers have been a subject of debate, with some attributing the increase to changes in political leadership. Giorgia Meloni’s ascent to power has sparked discussions about the government’s immigration policies and their impact on the current situation.
Ms. Meloni encounters two challenges while addressing these issues. The first challenge comes in the form of Matteo Salvini, her coalition partner and the leader of the League (formerly known as the Northern League). Struggling to regain the support he has lost to Ms. Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, Salvini has been advocating for more stringent measures against irregular immigration, similar to those he implemented during his tenure as interior minister from 2018 to 2019, which had earned him significant popularity. Presumably, he had hoped that, as the current government minister responsible for ports, he could independently enforce such measures. However, last month, Ms. Meloni transferred the entire immigration portfolio to Alfredo Mantovano, a junior minister in the prime minister’s office.
