Giorgia Meloni briefly surveyed the more than 100 journalists in the conference room of the Chamber of Deputies. Then, the Italian Prime Minister decided to deliver a combination of admission and challenge.

When asked if she was satisfied with the results of her migration policy so far, Meloni said, “If you ask me if I am satisfied, I say ‘No’. And then immediately follow up with, ‘But if you ask me if I believe that I will be satisfied at the end of the legislative period, then I tell you: that is exactly what I am working on’.”

Combating human trafficking and stopping illegal migration remains one of her priorities, emphasized Italy’s right-wing government leader.

Twice as many migrants reach Italy

Meloni faces pressure in her own country regarding the issue of migration, as was evident during her traditional annual press conference. In the only extensive meeting with journalists throughout the year, the Prime Minister was questioned multiple times on the topic. Contrary to Meloni’s promises during the election campaign, the number of migrant arrivals in Italy has more than doubled compared to the previous Draghi government.

Meloni announced that she intends to push for further tightening of the recently tightened asylum policy in Europe. She supported the European Migration and Asylum Pact two weeks ago, “because the rules are better than before.”

“But,” Meloni emphasized firmly, “it is not the solution! We will never solve this problem if we only focus on the discussion of how to distribute migrants once they have arrived in Europe.”

EU compromise not sufficient for Meloni

In December, the European Union agreed to conduct asylum procedures at the external borders, expedite deportations, and distribute arriving migrants more equitably within the EU.

Meloni made it clear that this is not enough for her and she wants to add something to the newly negotiated compromise. The goal should be to decide on who is allowed to enter the European Union while still on African soil: “My goal is to work in Africa and stop departures from Africa.” This includes “considering the possibility of setting up hotspots in Africa to decide who has the right and who does not have the right to come to Europe.”

Italy’s agreement with Albania is on hold

With this proposal of EU hotspots in Africa, Meloni returns to a demand from her election campaign. So far, EU member states only operate such hotspots within EU territory.

In November, Meloni already signed a bilateral agreement with Tirana regarding migration, which stipulates the establishment of reception centers for migrants in non-EU country Albania. However, due to concerns of an Albanian court, this agreement is currently on hold.

Clear rejection of AfD

When asked about her potential alliance partners at the European level, Meloni rejected the German AfD. She stated that there were “insurmountable differences” with the AfD. The leader of the far-right party “Brothers of Italy” justified her distance from the AfD, among other reasons, by pointing out its relations with Russia. Under Meloni’s government, Italy aligns with the EU position of supporting Ukraine militarily and financially against Russia’s aggression.

Regarding the conflict in the Middle East, Meloni condemned the “heinous attack by Hamas on October 7” targeting Israeli civilians. She also criticized the current antisemitism disguised as criticism of Israel.