Italy"s conservative shift leads to sharp decline in illegal immigration

Italy's conservative-led government has achieved a significant 64% reduction in illegal immigration over the past year, as reported by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. This decline is attributed to financial agreements with North African countries such as Tunisia and Libya, aimed at curbing human trafficking and illegal entry into Italy. Tajani emphasized the importance of combating human traffickers, who are linked to various criminal activities, including drug and weapon trafficking. The political climate in Italy has shifted towards conservatism, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighting the urgency of addressing the trafficking crisis exacerbated by illegal immigration. She noted that the instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War has made citizens more aware of the differences between right and left-wing policies. This awareness has contributed to the growing support for conservative measures. Tajani also pointed out that the Italian economy is showing signs of improvement, with reduced unemployment rates and a rising stock exchange. He expressed satisfaction with the current economic strategy, which contrasts with the previous administration's performance. The government's focus on legal immigration while opposing illegal immigration reflects a broader strategy to enhance national security and economic stability. Overall, the conservative government's approach has garnered mixed reactions, with some praising the measures taken to reduce illegal immigration and others criticizing the financial deals with North African nations. The ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking remain a central theme in Italy's political discourse.