Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday accused politicised members of the judiciary of continuing to obstruct government efforts to tackle illegal immigration and migrant-related crime.
Speaking in a video posted on social media, Meloni referred to a case involving an Algerian irregular migrant with 23 convictions, including assault for beating and kicking a woman, who was ordered by a court to receive compensation after authorities failed to expel him.
“Italians voted for the centre-right also for this reason: to re-establish clear rules and enforce them,” Meloni said. “The government is doing so resolutely, despite a politicised section of the judiciary continuing to obstruct any action aimed at combating mass illegal immigration.”
She added that while Italy has a duty to welcome those entitled to protection, respect for Italian law is essential. “Anyone who refuses to do so is not welcome in Italy,” she said.
Meloni said the man, who was illegally resident in Italy, could not be held in a CPR or transferred to Albania for repatriation under existing arrangements.
“For him, some judges have even ruled not only that he will not be expelled, but that the Ministry of the Interior must compensate him €700 for attempting to enforce an expulsion order,” the prime minister said.
The comments come amid heightened tensions between the government and sections of the judiciary, particularly over immigration policy and the limits of executive power in enforcing deportations.
