Lorenzo Caccialupi, a conservative voice with a substantial following, sheds light on the troubling rise of street crime in Italy, particularly in Rome. His commentary comes amid alarming statistics and incidents that underscore the urgency of the situation. On November 3, a mother in Rome received a devastating call from her son, who had just been stabbed. This horrendous incident was not isolated; just days prior, another man was attacked in a brutal robbery by two individuals from North Africa.
The string of violent events underscores a general trend—the city’s crime rates are surging. In 2024, Rome recorded over 270,000 crime reports, translating to an alarming rate of 6,401.9 incidents per 100,000 residents. Notably, sexual violence and injuries have increased by 7.5% and 5.8%, respectively. During the day, Rome’s safety score is relatively decent at 75 out of 100, but it drastically drops to 47 at night, a stark reflection of public concern.
Caccialupi, who ardently opposes open-border policies, attributes much of this rise in crime to the influx of migrants. Many of these individuals are seen on the streets engaging in dubious activities, indicating a correlation between immigration and crime. The statistics paint a grim picture: foreign nationals make up about 31% of Italy’s prison population, and a significant portion of crimes—30%—are committed by migrants, particularly those who are illegal. Among minors, the situation is even more alarming. Although non-EU youths only represent 1.5% of Italy’s population, they account for an extraordinary share of crimes like muggings and thefts.
Italy’s recent migration landscape has been shaped by European Union policies and the previous liberal governments’ approaches. The Dublin Regulation houses many asylum seekers in Italy, further straining resources and exacerbating local unrest. As of 2024, there are roughly 5.25 million foreign citizens in Italy, representing nearly 9% of the population. In just the first ten months of 2024, sea arrivals reached over 55,000, although this figure is less than half compared to the same period in the previous year.
Amidst these challenges, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has implemented strict measures to deter illegal migration. In contrast to her predecessors, Meloni is pushing back against EU policies and prioritizing national sovereignty. Her administration’s ambitious Albania Offshore Processing Deal aims to send up to 36,000 migrants to detention centers in Albania for asylum processing. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to tackling the root of the immigration crisis, albeit encountering legal obstacles along the way.
Meloni’s actions extend beyond borders. She advocates for Italy’s cultural sovereignty, reaffirming the importance of symbols like crucifixes in public schools, stating that they embody the values of Western civilization. This focus on tradition and identity reflects a broader conservative stance during a time when many fear that those values are being eroded by liberal agendas.
Despite pushing for stricter migration controls, the government has faced challenges in achieving its goals; illegal arrivals surged in 2022 but showed a notable decrease in 2024. This indicates that while Meloni’s approach might be yielding some results, much work remains to be done. The situation, as Caccialupi highlights, is not only affecting Italy but also paints a broader picture of the immigration issue confronting Europe as a whole.
Overall, Caccialupi’s assertions resonate with many who share his concerns about public safety and national identity. As incidents like street stabbings become more frequent, the debate surrounding migration and its impacts intensifies, drawing attention not just to policies but to the tangible consequences on the lives of citizens living in affected communities.
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