Photo by Valerio Muscella for NPR
Introduction
As Europe navigates a significant political shift towards right-wing populism, Italy finds itself at the heart of this transformation under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni and her Brothers of Italy party. The party has heralded a new era of nationalist and conservative policies that challenge the continent's status quo. The Brothers of Italy party (Fratelli d'Italia) have emerged as pivotal figures in contemporary Italian politics, advocating for policies that blend nationalism, conservatism, and a controversial stance on immigration. The BoI party has roots that trace back to the post-World War II neofascist Italian Social Movement (MSI) and has undergone significant transformation under Meloni's leadership. In 2022, Meloni emerged victorious in Italy's parliamentary elections despite international concerns over her party's neo-fascist roots. In 2023, Meloni received global recognition for her leadership from Forbes magazine, which named her the fourth-most powerful woman. Politico Europe honored her as the “Disruptor of the Year,” marking her as a pivotal figure on the international stage. These accolades suggest a changing global perception of Meloni, from a figure associated with Italy's fascist past to a leader embodying a new form of right-wing populism that engages with contemporary global and national issues. While Meloni and the party have distanced themselves from the more extreme elements of their ideological predecessors, Meloni has embraced a platform that emphasizes national sovereignty, traditional values, and a controversial stance on immigration.
Immigration Policies of Meloni and the Brothers of Italy
In February 2023, a boat carrying 200 migrants sank due to harsh weather conditions while attempting to land on the coast of Steccato di Cutro in Calabria, Italy. The incident resulted in the death of 64 migrants, mainly from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran; however, Meloni denied any connection between the BoI’s policies and the tragedy, asserting that the government's immigration and maritime policies had no direct impact on the incident. However, Meloni faced heavy criticism for her government's stringent policies on immigration and the handling of rescue operations. Critics argued that the tragedy highlighted the dangers of restrictive measures on NGOs conducting search and rescue missions, suggesting that such policies could deter timely assistance and exacerbate risks for migrants making perilous journeys across the Mediterranean.
Immigration is a cornerstone of the Brothers of Italy's policy agenda, with Meloni and the Brothers of Italy advocating for stricter border controls and a robust approach to illegal immigration. Meloni has proposed the establishment of EU-managed centers outside the bloc to process asylum applications, which aim to manage legal migration more orderly and include programs for the inclusion of new arrivals. Furthermore, Meloni supports the U.K. government’s plan to send irregular migrants to have their asylum applications processed in Rwanda and is trying to strike a similar deal between Italy and Albania. Lastly, Meloni has advocated minimizing the number of migrant boats and restricting the activities of charity rescue ships, which are often the first point of rescue for overburdened migrant boats crossing the Mediterranean. This stance on immigration, a significant part of Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister Salvini's campaigns, reflects a broader trend in European politics where concerns about national identity, security, and social cohesion have propelled right-wing parties to prominence.
Policy Solutions
To address the conservative immigration policies of Meloni and the Brothers of Italy, policymakers can consider several methods. As exemplified by the tragic boat accident in Calabria in 2023, Meloni’s stringent policies regarding limiting the actions of migrant rescue boats operated by NGOs exemplify the danger of overly restrictive immigration policies, highlighting the critical balance between border security and humanitarian obligations. Therefore, Italy should consider establishing a more collaborative approach between the Italian government and NGOs engaged in search and rescue operations. By facilitating dialogue, governments can work with NGOs to ensure safety and compliance without compromising the NGOs' ability to conduct lifesaving operations. Furthermore, enhancing partnerships with NGOs can also involve providing them with the necessary resources and legal support to operate effectively within Italian waters. This could include training sessions on safety and legal regulations, ensuring that all parties are well-informed and prepared to handle complex rescue operations. By acknowledging and supporting the crucial role of NGOs in saving lives, Italy can ensure the safety of immigrants attempting to enter and secure necessary oversight to ensure operations are carried out within legal boundaries.
Conclusion
In the evolving landscape of European politics, marked by the rise of right-wing populism, Italy's political dynamics under Giorgia Meloni and the Brothers of Italy party serve as a crucial case study. The BoI party––advocating for nationalism and stringent immigration policies––reflects a broader European trend of emphasizing national sovereignty and traditional values over open migration policies. To address the challenges posed by these conservative policies, Italy could benefit from fostering collaboration between the government and NGOs in humanitarian efforts and adopting a narrative that views immigration as beneficial for the country's demographic and economic future. This approach could provide a solution to balance national security concerns with the humanitarian need to protect and integrate migrants into society.
The views expressed in this publication are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Rice Journal of Public Policy, its staff, or its Editorial Board.