“Cooperation with the Italian authorities remains full and complete”, assures the chief of staff of the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes

“Cooperation with the Italian authorities remains full and complete”, assures this Friday on franceinfo Benoît Huber, the chief of staff of the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes. He was reacting to tensions between France and Italy on migration issues since Gérald Darmanin criticized the management made by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Benoît Huber also asserts that “Italy respects its commitments on the Franco-Italian border”.

franceinfo: What is your opinion on the Italian measures to control immigration to France?

Benoit Huber: The Italian authorities are dealing with a very large flow of immigration. A large number of these foreigners then find themselves at the Franco-Italian border. We have seen for several years that cooperation with the Italian authorities remains full and complete. Today, in the Alpes-Maritimes, 116 arrests have been carried out in the last 24 hours and we have been able to carry out as many readmissions as we usually carry out. Regarding those who arrive at the border [franco-italienne] 90% arrived by the coasts of southern Italy, they are Guineans, Ivorians, Tunisians to a lesser extent. When they come to Menton, those who arrive by the so-called Balkan route, it is today less than 10% of the flow.

Italy respects its commitments on the Franco-Italian border

Benoit Huber

at franceinfo

So Italy is doing its job well in your opinion?

Italy respects its commitments on the Franco-Italian border concerning the non-admission of people who are arrested in the border strip. There is then a lot to say about the development of this cooperation and the effectiveness of the action aimed at limiting arrivals on the Italian coasts, but the subject goes beyond the framework of the Franco-Italian bilateral relationship alone. In any case, here, in Menton and in the Alpes-Maritimes, we see that this cooperation continues to develop and produce its effects.

Italy is supposed to register all those who arrive on its soil first and then discuss with France for the reception and distribution of refugees. That’s what’s happening, isn’t it?

The Italian authorities register the migrants who present themselves upon their arrival on their shores. Me, I only see what is happening at the border with the Alpes-Maritimes. There are several situations with those whom we challenge: people who declare themselves to be minors – those who are called unaccompanied minors – are subject to specific treatment, with support from the departments of the department and minority assessment. If they are indeed minors, they are supported by social assistance. If these people are finally recognized as adults, they are handed over to the Italian authorities, who take them back, in accordance with the international commitments that bind them to France.

Do you expect more migrants to arrive?

We see that there are four times more than last year. It is a reality that we experience on a daily basis. We, at the territorial level and at the level of the Alpes-Maritimes, our concern is to ensure that all those who present themselves do not enter French territory freely since there are rules that apply. This is why the Minister of the Interior and the Prime Minister have decided to strengthen border controls and have made additional resources available to us. Since the beginning of this week, four units of mobile forces have come to reinforce the local workforce.