The Italian Democratic Party (Pd) has announced a rotation of Italian and European parliamentarians in Albania with the slogan “Riflettori sempre accesi” (Spotlights always on). The first group includes the secretary of Più Europa, Riccardo Magi, two Democratic Party deputies (Paolo Ciani and Rachele Scarpa), and one from Avs, Francesca Ghirra. According to Elly Schlein, the secretary of the Pd, the agreement with Albania wastes 800 million euros to violate the fundamental right to seek asylum. She calls on the government to clarify the costs of transporting 16 people on the first boat, of which four had to return, including two minors and two vulnerable adults.
The migrant center in Gjader, Albania has been criticized for its inhumane treatment of migrants. There are concerns that all residents may be returned to Italy. Deputies who visited the center reported potential failures in the government’s handling of asylum requests. Scarpa mentioned the possibility of failure on the part of the Meloni government if the detainees, who all applied for asylum, are not validated and returned to Italy. Magi described the center as resembling a concentration camp and highlighted significant procedural irregularities. European parliamentarians, including Cecilia Strada, are mobilizing to challenge the legality of the transfer of migrants to Albania and are considering legal action under EU legislation.
In addition to these challenges, the Pd has proposed new legislation to address issues related to immigration. They advocate for a more proactive approach to managing immigration, aiming to make the process legal, simple, and safe. Former Minister Graziano Delrio proposed a registration system for individuals seeking entry into the country, with the goal of responding to specific job opportunities or requests. This system would involve sponsorship from companies, universities, or other established entities, creating a more transparent accreditation process. Delrio emphasized the importance of shifting responsibilities from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Labor, reflecting a focus on integrating immigrants as essential contributors to the national workforce.
The Democratic Party is not only challenging the government on migrant rights but also presenting concrete proposals for immigration reform. They organized a conference on the necessary changes to the immigration system and introduced a new law to replace the controversial Bossi-Fini law. The focus is on transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach to immigration management, allowing for legal pathways into Italy, and streamlining the residence permit process. These initiatives represent a shift in perspective towards addressing migration as a socio-economic opportunity rather than a burden, emphasizing the importance of integrating migrants into society in a dignified and sustainable manner.
