New crisis between France and Italy
In a statement on French radio RMC, French Interior Darmanin claimed that a record number of irregular migrants crossed into Italy via the Mediterranean because of the political crisis in Tunisia.
“The far-right Ms. Meloni and her government, elected by friends of Ms. Le Pen (French far-right politician Marine Le Pen), and her government are not capable of solving the immigration problem for which she was elected. . ”Darmanin said that an influx of immigrants, especially minors, has started in the south of her country.
Darmanin affirmed that contrary to Meloni’s electoral promises, the influx of immigrants to the country has increased.
ITALY REACTION
Darmanin’s words aroused a great reaction in Italy. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani shared on his Twitter account: “I will not be going to Paris for our early meeting with French Foreign Minister (Catherine) Colonna. The words of Minister Darmanin against our government and Italy are unacceptable. That is not the spirit needed to address Europe’s shared challenges.” he used the phrases.
Many social media users also shared supportive comments after Tajani’s message.
Relations between Italy and France had previously been tense, as Italy did not open its ports to the ships of the non-governmental organization that rescued immigrants, especially on irregular migration issues.
Ocean Viking, which had been awaiting approval for weeks to shelter in a port in Italy, was turned down by the right-wing coalition government led by newly appointed Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with the French administration announcing in November 2022 that it would accept the vessel through the issuance of a special statute with the decision of the Council of Ministers.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin accused the Italian authorities of not acting with humanity, saying Paris had acted with more humanity than Rome “by accepting.”
Darmanin stressed that since the ship first entered Italy’s territorial waters through the Mediterranean, this country had to accept immigrants, stating that other European countries, including France and Germany, asked the Roman authorities to take them away. some of the immigrants from Italy. but received a refusal.
Noting that Italy did not accept the ship out of concern that “the sick will stay with them,” the French minister said his country will meet with the EU Commission and Germany in the coming days to respect international law and to discuss Italy’s attitude.
Darmanin affirmed that France suspended the reception of 3,500 immigrants from Italy within the framework of its migrant distribution program, and called on other EU countries to stop the resettlement program they had with Italy.
Italian Foreign Minister Tajani also reacted to France by calling Darmanin’s statements disproportionate.
THE PROBLEM OF Irregular Migration in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean region between Italy, Malta and Libya has gained prominence in recent years as one of the most used irregular migration routes in the transition from Africa to Europe. Migrants who are able to cross the Mediterranean or are rescued are usually in Italy, where they first set foot in Europe.
Every year, many immigrants die trying to cross into Europe from the capsizing of the ship or from lack of air and water due to overcrowding on the ships. (AA)