From Naval Blockades to Open Doors: Giorgia Meloni’s Surprising Turnaround on Migration in Italy

• Giorgia Meloni’s transformation from a vocal critic to a pragmatic leader navigating migration challenges reflects the complex realities of governance.
• While she previously advocated for a naval blockade to stem the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean, her tenure has seen a surprising uptick in both regular and irregular arrivals.
• The shift in Meloni’s stance coincides with the significant population decrease of approximately 1.5 million people over the last decade, with more retirees than workers in many provinces.

In the evolving landscape of Italian politics, Giorgia Meloni, once a staunch critic of migration, has orchestrated a notable shift in policy since assuming the role of prime minister. While she previously advocated for a naval blockade to stem the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean, her tenure has seen a surprising uptick in both regular and irregular arrivals. This change in approach has not only defied her prior rhetoric but has also prompted scrutiny and debate within Italy’s political arena.

The shift in Meloni’s stance coincides with a challenging economic scenario and a demographic decline in Italy. The country has witnessed a significant population decrease of approximately 1.5 million people over the last decade, with more retirees than workers in many provinces. Italy’s Economy Minister’s warning about the sustainability of pension system reforms underscores the urgency of addressing labour force gaps.

Meloni’s legal migration decree, projecting a need for 833,000 new migrants over the next three years, is a pragmatic response to the demographic challenges. The legislation aims to fill labour force gaps, welcoming migrants for seasonal jobs in sectors like agriculture and tourism, as well as long-term positions in essential trades. This shift has been described as a super pragmatic move, signalling a departure from fiery rhetoric to a more realistic policy approach.

Critics, however, raise concerns about the effectiveness of Meloni’s policies, particularly regarding irregular arrivals. Despite maintaining a hard line on this front, the number of people arriving by boat has more than doubled, leading to questions about the efficacy of her approach. Incidents like the tragic drowning of migrants off the Calabrian coast have drawn attention to the challenges in managing irregular arrivals.

Meloni’s collaboration with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to form a pact with Tunisia, aiming to prevent migrants from making the perilous journey, has faced its share of criticisms. While the memorandum of understanding sought to increase efforts to curb migration, the subsequent increase in arrivals has raised doubts about its effectiveness.

It’s noteworthy that Meloni’s policy shift has not gone unnoticed by her allies on the right, especially within the far-right League Party. Some members express disappointment, questioning the departure from the previously advocated “naval blockade” strategy. The internal dynamics within the coalition government highlight the challenges of balancing diverse viewpoints on migration.

In conclusion, Giorgia Meloni’s transformation from a vocal critic to a pragmatic leader navigating migration challenges reflects the complex realities of governance. As Italy grapples with economic stagnation and demographic shifts, the debate surrounding her policies underscores the delicate balance required to address both internal needs and international obligations.

_{(Charushi Chakole is a postgraduate student in International Relations at Amity University, Raipur. He writes articles and research papers regularly on international affairs and geopolitics.)}