The newly appointed Italian Minister of Interior, Matteo Piantedosi said that he plans to intensify relations with Libya and migrant countries of origin, to prevent the flow of migrants to Italy.
“We will have to strengthen the relationship with all countries. Not only of the birth of immigration (such as in Libya or Tunisia, where the situation is difficult) but also of destination. And the destination is not only Italy. In general, there is a need to strengthen the governance of landings, with respect to flows. This does not mean denying social sensitivity, but taking over the management of flows,” Piantedosi said.
Last month, the Italian political analyst, Daniele Ruvinetti expects that Italy’s new government will seek to ensure stability in Libya.
In an interview with Libya Review, Ruvinetti added that, “It is entirely predictable (and desirable) that the new government will prioritize in the Mediterranean, an area of national interest for Italy.”
He stated that the new Italian government will do so for various reasons, both geopolitical and securitarian. “We are well aware that part of the political priorities of the Italian center-right comes through immigration control, in fact, and it is therefore easy to think that the next government will prioritise the issue.”
Ruvinetti explained that this will consequently lead to the initiation of proactive policies, that will also affect Italian relations. “Here, it is logical that the future government will try to get back to the forefront in Libya, a country where migratory complexities unravel.”
According to Ruvinetti, “Rome will seek stability in Libya because it is the first element on which to base control of the flows of migrants.” Therefore, it is expected that the Italian government will “move its political-diplomatic levers to resolve and overcome Libya’s political stalemate.”
He explained that “it is now clear that the only way to overcome divisions while avoiding the reopening of conflicts-which is far from the Italian interest clearly-is to try to create third-party, super parties and an inclusive government. Such that it can be tasked to develop a climate of dialogue and stabilisation, and then bring Libyan citizens to Presidential and Parliamentary elections.”