the Italian government under pressure, Ursula von der Leyen on site on Sunday

The climate is heavy on Saturday September 16 in Lampedusa. Because an unprecedented week is coming to an end: 11,000 arrivals since Monday, and because once again in recent hours a baby has lost his life upon arriving on the island.

A few dozen residents of Lampedusa demonstrated during the week against the presence of migrants. While tents must be set up in an abandoned barracks to shelter the numerous police officers who have arrived in recent days, an elected official from the anti-immigration party, Attilio Lucia, fears the establishment of a new emergency center: “Lampedusa is tired. Psychologically we are destroyed. We don’t want a new reception center or tents.”

Giorgia Meloni under pressure, Europe too

The political climate is hardening, locally and also in Rome. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is under pressure from the most radical part of her majority. The gap is becoming too great: she gave a martial speech during the electoral campaign a year ago, she seems overwhelmed by events today. So in a video published Friday evening, she reaffirms her firmness.

“To the Italians I want to say that we have not changed our minds. It will take time, determination, but we have not changed our minds.”

Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister

in a video

Giorgia Meloni announces the construction of new detention centers, where migrants who do not qualify for asylum are brought before expulsion. She mentions the possible extension of the detention period and the sending of a European naval force to contain departures on the other side of the Mediterranean. She will certainly talk about it with Ursula Von der Leyen, expected in Lampedusa on Sunday. Appealing to Europe, accused of abandoning Italy, is the other common thread of the ministers’ interventions in recent days.

It should be widely discussed on Sunday, far from Lampedusa, in Pontida near Milan. Matteo Salvini’s League holds its annual gathering. Guest of honor: Marine Le Pen.