Topics Covered
The current context of the centers in Albania
In recent months, the Italian government has emphasized the need to relaunch migrant centers in Albania, facilities that currently remain empty and unused. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has declared her determination to find rapid solutions, despite recent decisions by magistrates that have hindered the government project. The situation is complex and requires a strategic approach to address the challenges related to immigration and the management of asylum seekers.
Strategies for the relaunch of the centers
The government is evaluating several options to make the Shengjin and Gjader centers operational, which have been ready for months but have not yet received migrants. One of the most discussed hypotheses is to transform these facilities into repatriation centers, thus avoiding the mandatory passage through judges for the validation of detention. This change could allow for a quicker and more direct management of irregular migrants already present in Italy, but raises questions about the need to review the Protocol with Tirana.
Political reactions and criticisms
The government’s proposals have not been met without controversy. Opposition parties have voiced strong criticism, calling the idea of transforming the centers in Albania “institutional madness” and a sign of failure in managing immigration. Political leaders, such as Francesco Boccia and Giuseppe Conte, have questioned the validity of these measures, highlighting the risks of a strategy that may not address the root causes of migration. In this context, the government must navigate internal and external pressures, seeking to strike a balance between security and human rights.