He complained to the ANSA: 'These are sterile polemic doubling, only 3 in Italy'

Matteo Piantedosi, Italy's Interior Minister, has reiterated his stance on border controls with Spain and addressed concerns over the so-called “Dublinants” returning to Italy. Speaking to ANSA, he emphasized that the temporary reintroduction of security checks along the Spanish border was a direct response to a critical incident in Ceuta, which exposed both Spain and the European Union to serious immigration and security threats. The move, he stated, was necessary due to objective dangers still evident, though he expressed hope that these reasons would soon disappear. Piantedosi described Spain as a “sister nation,” highlighting their shared challenges in managing migration and security issues. The minister clarified that the reintroduced border measures have no connection to the potential return of “Dublinants”, individuals who had previously been granted asylum in Spain but are now seeking to return to Italy under the Dublin Regulation. He dismissed claims suggesting otherwise as “sterile disputes,” arguing they were motivated by political posturing. According to official data, only three individuals have actually returned to Italy from Spain under this category in two months, equating to roughly twenty such cases annually. This figure, he noted, contradicts the exaggerated fears sometimes voiced by opposition figures. Piantedosi also took issue with the public criticism directed at Matteo Salvini, the leader of the League party and a former interior minister. He called the attacks against Salvini “unjust,” expressing personal admiration for the politician’s role in revitalizing the party during its period of instability. He acknowledged that many within the center-right coalition had benefited from Salvini’s leadership but lamented that some had forgotten his contributions. Despite this, Piantedosi remained optimistic about Salvini’s future role, stating that he would make an excellent interior minister when the time came. The situation in Ceuta, a Spanish territory located near Morocco, has been a focal point for discussions on immigration management. Piantedosi stressed that the incident highlighted broader vulnerabilities in the EU’s approach to migration control. While the immediate cause of the crisis remains unclear, the minister insisted that the risks posed by irregular migration continue to demand vigilance. His remarks underscored the need for continued cooperation between Italy and Spain, despite the current tensions at the border. In addition to addressing the border policy, Piantedosi outlined his vision for strengthened bilateral ties with Spain. He praised Spain’s efforts to tackle similar challenges and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to supporting its neighbor through collaboration. This sentiment aligns with broader diplomatic goals of enhancing regional stability and ensuring secure borders while respecting human rights and legal frameworks. As the debate over migration policies continues, Piantedosi’s statements reflect a strategic balance between maintaining national security and fostering international solidarity. His emphasis on factual data, such as the low number of Dublinants returning to Italy, aims to counter misinformation and maintain public trust. Meanwhile, his comments on Salvini highlight the internal dynamics within Italy’s ruling coalition, where political alliances and individual reputations play a crucial role in shaping policy outcomes. The coming weeks will likely see further developments in both border management and domestic politics, as leaders navigate the complex landscape of immigration reform and inter-party relations.