Germany, a wrong-way driver on asylum policy, now wants to implement a decision to support civilian “sea rescues” amid the migration crisis. The first payments to the two organizations are expected to be made soon. Italy reacted indignantly – this would be a “serious discrepancy” in behavior among European states. What the organizations in question call “rescue” are viewed by critics as human trafficking that merely promotes illegal migration.
Germany’s plan to financially support maritime rescue organizations is sparking outrage in Italy. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who is from the ruling Fratelli d’Italia party, spoke of the “very serious” behavior in newspaper “La Stampa” on Sunday (24 September). “Berlin is acting as if it doesn’t realize it is causing problems for a country with which it is theoretically ‘friends’.” The Italian government views support of these so-called aid organizations as interference in domestic Italian affairs. According to a report by Italian news agency Ansa, people close to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that Germans plan to support these organizations, whose activities critics describe as human trafficking between European states. There would be a “serious anomaly” in the transaction. There was also opposition from smaller coalition partner Lega.
The Foreign Office said on Friday it was implementing a decision of the Bundestag. The first money must be paid “shortly”. A project for supplies on land and a project for “rescue” at sea are to be funded between 400,000 and 800,000 euros. One of the organizations is SOS Humanity.
Even during the time of previous governments, the migration issue and the work of private German aid organizations in the Mediterranean had created tensions between Rome and Berlin. Now the tone seems to be hardening. Meloni has so far been unable to fulfill her campaign promise to curb illegal immigration. In contrast, more than 130,000 boat migrants have been registered since the beginning of the year, double the number from the same period last year. This month alone, more than 10,000 people arrived on the small Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, considered a hotspot for migrants from North Africa.
Germany is promoting illegal migration
The Italian government’s displeasure is completely understandable. While other EU countries are trying to reduce the number of migrants, there is no change in thinking in Germany. Former Chancellor Merkel said in 2015 “We can do it!” Promoted. An unrestricted culture of welcome. The boat is now full and the treasure is empty. Nevertheless, incentives for immigration exist and are being expanded in social systems in the form of generous social benefits, for example B. With planned basic child support. Now even so-called aid organizations must be supported with tax money.
It is not without reason that these “sea rescuers” are considered smugglers – most of the people “rescued” by them did not get into trouble at sea, but deliberately put themselves into this situation. “Rescue” is the equivalent of a free ticket to Europe – with disastrous consequences for countries where migrants migrate illegally. This will only lead to uncontrolled mass migration.
