Italy's Meloni Acknowledges Disappointment in Handling Soaring Migration Numbers

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, has admitted disappointment in controlling irregular immigration since her party's election victory. The number of migrants arriving on boats from North Africa has nearly doubled in a year, with over 130,000 registered so far in 2022. Meloni called on the EU for assistance, while her coalition partner, Matteo Salvini, rejected EU efforts and advocated for a tougher approach. The government has restricted rescue ship activities, promoted repatriation, and introduced a decree requiring migrants awaiting asylum decisions to pay a deposit or risk detention. Italy's centre-left Democratic Party criticized the right's approach as ineffective and lacking respect for human rights.