Highlights
– Political row erupts as Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi deploys troops on major Italian city streets
– Efforts are purportedly meant to combat rising incidence of crime
– PM Berlusconi continues to rally for “army of good”
In recent days an intense political row has erupted in Italy over Prime Minister (PM) Silvio Berlusconi’s plans to deploy 2,500 soldiers to the streets of the nation’s large metropolitan cities. According to recent reports, in the coming days, upwards of 300 soldiers are expected to carry out patrols and security checks in Milan, the first city to experience troop deployment, in an exhaustive effort to combat the rising incidence of muggings and pick-pocketing.
As we previously reported, in April 2008, Italian media mogul and two-time prior Italian PM, Berlusconi, garnered a highly anticipated third-term win (Previous Report). Berlusconi’s re-election marked a breakthrough for his Northern League political ally prompting concerns the far-right anti-immigration party would unduly influence his political agenda. To this end, PM Berlusconi’s continued references to combating a so-called “army of evil,” a reference to Italy’s growing population of illegal immigrants, and subsequent references to a so-called “army of good,” a reference to increased Italian police forces, and if necessary, deployed military troops, are quickly becoming a reality.
Political oppositionists are outwardly angered by the PM’s plans to deploy troops on Italian streets stating, “We are not Columbia where these forces are used to fight terrorism and armed insurrection.” Further, opponents argue the plans will negatively impact the nation’s tourism industry.
PM Berlusconi Plans Troop Deployment
In recent days, PM Berlusconi has announced plans to deploy approximately 2,500 military troops onto Italian city streets. In an experimental effort to combat the rising incidence of crime, military soldiers will be deployed for a maximum of on year.
As we previously reported, known for his strong stance on illegal immigration, PM Berlusconi has pledged to use his third-term to close Italy’s border to illegal immigrants in an effort to crackdown on criminals he terms “the army of evil” (Previous Report). In post-election statements Berlusconi promised increased measures against criminal activity, one of the country’s numerous ailments blamed by some Italians on illegal immigrants. Following his re-election in April 2008, the PM stated, “One of the first things to do is to close the frontiers and set up more camps to identify foreign citizens who don’t have jobs and are forced into a life of crime.” He continued, “Secondly we need more local police constituting and ‘army of good’ in piazzas and streets to come between Italian people and the ‘army of evil.’”
In the first city to experience the plan, Milan, approximately 300 soldiers are expected to execute patrols and security checks in the city’s main train station, specifically targeting muggers and pickpockets.
Plans Face Staunch Opposition
Political oppositionists are demonstrating clear disapproval of the plans, describing the move as a blatant mistake. To this end, opposition MP, Antonio de Peitro stated, “Using armed forces to control cities is a mistake by an authoritarian regime. We are not Columbia where these forces are used to fight terrorism and armed insurrection.” Further, centre-left leader, Walter Veltroni, asserted PM Berlusconi’s move was “the wrong choice that humiliates forces of law and order.”
Local police forces detest the plans claiming moving military troops into the nation’s cities will ultimately fail. Further, police expressed anger stating the government’s unorthodox decision is tantamount to saying the police are not up to the challenge of maintaining law and order.
However, in an attempt at rebuttal, Italian Defense Minister, Ignazio la Russa, asserted no risk of confrontation exists between the nation’s military and police forces. Further, Russa recalled historical precedence for deploying military troops in a civilian capacity, arguing that it had been centre-left Italian opposition to order the deployment of the army in 1992, following the assassination of anti-Mafia magistrates in Sicily that year.
Chances for Success
It is premature to determine what successes PM Berlusconi’s troop deployment may achieve. However, it is clear the PM will continue to face an uphill battle to combat criticism, both domestic and internationally.
We believe despite revitalized efforts to combat the growing incidence of illegal immigration in Italy, we remain unconvinced the PM’s insistence to create an “army of good” namely by deploying military troops in city streets, will taste immediate success in its efforts to combat the rising incidence of crime in the nation.
Further, PM Berluconi will continue to face staunch criticism from political oppositionists as he maintains his brazen attitudes and subsequent actions to combat crime in the nation’s borders.
