Meloni deserts the torchlight vigil for Borsellino. “Reasons of public order”. The premier will be in Palermo only for the official ceremony

From the heart of Europe to the site of the mafia massacres which, in his opinion, inspired his political commitment in 1992. Giorgia Meloni leaves the summit between the leaders of the Union and South American countries to fly to Palermo. “I have never missed the commemorations of Paolo Borsellino”, he assured on Sunday in Pompeii. But, compared to expectations, the premier changes the program: she will not participate in the traditional evening torchlight vigil in via D’Amelio historically organized by the Right and instead will be present at an official ceremony, in the very early morning, at the Lungaro barracks.

A more institutional choice that has displaced even the exponents of FdI. Also motivated by the risk of possible disputes during Meloni’s procession: in the prefecture and at the police station, in recent days, this danger has been discussed. There is a particular climate in Palermo, in the anti-mafia world. Sparked by the utterances of Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, who said he was in favor of abolishing external competition.

The braking of the premier herself was not enough (“The subject is not among our priorities”) to completely calm the atmosphere. Moreover, before the torchlight vigil organized by a cartel of right-wing associations, there will be another procession, called instead by Arci and other associations not attributable to the government party, which will start from the Falcone tree. An event, the latter, which will also see among the protagonists Salvatore Borsellino, the brother of the judge killed by Cosa Nostra, who publicly asked Meloni to disavow his minister. In order to avoid moments of contact, the leftist counter-event was even set for 3 pm, in the sunny and deserted streets of the Sicilian capital.

In any case, Meloni has decided to participate in the commemorative ceremony which, at 8.45, will see her lay a laurel wreath inside the escort office of the Lungaro barracks. And shortly after you should sit down at the table of a committee for order and safety. More institutional program. And safer.