Since the Ocean Viking ship carrying 230 migrants was forbidden by Italy’s new government from docking, tensions between the two neighbours have risen. France has condemned the awful behaviour; however, Italy claims it has accepted its fair share of migrants.
The organization that manages the ship, SOS Méditerranée, expressed relief at the French resolution and anger at how the people on board had already been brought down for three weeks by Europe’s spectacular failure. Gérald Darmanin, the Interior Minister of France, warned that severe consequences would follow for our bilateral ties with Italy. In response to Rome’s actions, France first refused to receive 3500 refugees that it had already committed to accepting with Italy. He added that France would try to tighten security procedures at the Italian border.
Matteo Piantedosi, his Italian counterpart, retaliated by calling his neighbour’s actions incomprehensible in light of Italy’s acceptance of around 90,000 refugees this year alone. Why should Italy happily accept things others are never ready to accept? – He questioned.
Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy who took office last month, had threatened to blockade migrant boats seeking to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa to her country.
Who is in Charge of Assisting Migrants at Sea?
Four charity ships carrying more than 500 refugees saved in the Mediterranean, the Ocean Viking set off for Italy. After initial denials, those on board the other three ships were finally permitted to disembark in Italian ports. Three people on the Geo Barents rescue boat briefly jumped into the water to try to reach land at one point. Ocean Viking’s request to enter the port was denied, and SOS Méditerranée reported that its 43 inquiries to Italian officials went unanswered.
