“We will only stop the raves, the decree will not be extended to occupations and gatherings” – Corriere.it

Rome – Minister Matteo Piantedosi, your decree on raves has created controversy and protests. Was it really necessary?

“The objective of these rules approved by the Council of Ministers is to align ourselves with the legislation of other European countries, also in order to dissuade the organization of such events that above all endanger the participants themselves – I remember that in Modena they danced in an unsafe shed and there was a risk of a massacre – and they end up keeping entire areas in check, compromising commercial activities and roads. We must ensure, first of all, that young people can have fun without exposing themselves to dangers for their safety and then protect entrepreneurs who suffer competition from those who act in defiance of any rule ».

Will you also apply it for occupations in schools and other gatherings?

“I think it is in everyone’s interest to fight illegal raves. On the other hand, I find it offensive to attribute to us the desire to intervene in other contexts, in which constitutionally guaranteed rights are exercised, to which the law clearly makes no reference. In any case, the conversion of the decrees is done in Parliament, not on social networks. At that time, every proposal will be examined by the government ”.

Within a week you sent a directive to NGO ships, blocked a demonstration at the university, ordered the eviction of a rave. Is interventionism your key?

«My role forces us to face contingent and immediate situations. It is not always possible to plan what concerns security and public order ».

Why doesn’t he want to be called an iron prefect?

«My security management model is: firmness and dialogue, leaving the use of public force as an extreme option to avoid worse risks. It has always been my way of acting. As prefect of Rome, I managed the issue of evictions in this way, obtaining important results without tension: returning the properties occupied for years to their legitimate owners, taking care to give a home to all those who had the right and need. And without using the public force. For me what matters most is respect, above all for the rules, of the other person other than you, of the State and of those who represent him with a uniform, a toga, a smock, or by carrying out a service of public utility ».

“This government has obtained a strong electoral mandate from citizens on specific issues. I know what to do. Safeguarding security is a priority for the coalition that won the last election. It is necessary to act on several fronts at the same time, strengthening the presence of the police forces in our cities but also addressing issues such as urban decay, fragility and marginalization, the difficulties of our young people, working together with the world of education and culture “.

Many analysts fear street protests and social tensions.

«Managing the squares is always an extremely delicate task. We have police forces who have also recently demonstrated during the demonstrations in the pandemic phase that they know how to do it with balance and authority. For my part, I recalled the need to continue along this path by guaranteeing anyone the right to express their thoughts, even more so if they are dissent, as long as it is done in compliance with the law and above all without prejudice to the freedoms of others “.

But you did not intervene in Predappio.

“This is a demonstration, a farce, which I absolutely deplore. It has been taking place for years, without incidents and under the control of the Police Forces. It happened with similar modalities and numbers even in years when there were political figures in the government who now express indignation. I can assure you that the police will report to the judicial authorities all possible behaviors in violation of the provisions in force ».

Don’t you think there is a dangerous nostalgia?

“We live in a democratic country with solid institutions and a republican constitution in which all political parties recognize themselves. We have the antibodies to defeat anyone who wants to go in another direction ».

Do you really believe that the use of force was necessary for Wisdom?

«There was to prevent the assault on a duly authorized convention. The police forces intervened to avoid the risky contact between the organizers of the conference and the demonstrators. The professionalism and sensitivity of those who work in the field and have to make decisions in a few moments must always be respected and the decisions taken cannot be prejudiced in question. Despite the unpleasant images of physical contact between policemen and demonstrators, we have not had any injuries among the demonstrators. I will continue to ensure that in the universities, in the squares, in public relations, everyone can freely express their thoughts in complete safety ».

Why didn’t you guarantee it at the Milan stadium when Inter’s ultras bosses cleared the corner?

“In some cases, if the public force does not intervene immediately, it is only because a risk-weighted assessment of this choice is made. In a stage it is always preferable to avoid interventions that could generate situations of very serious danger. When tens of thousands of people are present, prudence is a must. The recent tragedy in Seoul teaches that the mob can lead to dramatic consequences. The Milan police headquarters are carrying out in-depth investigations also using the video surveillance system that the Milanese stadium is equipped with, which they are already directing towards identifying any responsible for the incident ».

Off the coast of Italy there are two ships loaded with migrants. Will you allow the disembarkation?

“We acted right away to give an immediate signal to the flag states: we cannot take care of the migrants collected at sea by foreign ships that operate systematically without any prior coordination by the authorities. At the moment these events represent 16% of the people landed in Italy. But since we already take care of the remaining 84% of the migrants who arrived on our shores, by other means or saved by us, we hope that the much-heralded European solidarity will be realized. And not only through relocations, which have so far failed substantially, but also by accepting to take on the responsibility of welcoming the smallest part that essentially sets foot for the first time in those same European countries to which the ships that collect them in international waters belong. We will never derogate from our duties to rescue people at sea, but we believe the time has come for European solidarity to finally become concrete ».

And beyond the prohibitions, how do you plan to deal with the flows of migrants?

“I am convinced that it is necessary to block departures and verify in the countries of origin and transit who can and who must arrive, ensuring an orderly transfer and true social integration. I believe that this action must be accompanied by planning and offering adequate legal entrances. It is the States that must govern the flows of entry which, if regular, also serve our country ”.

You are a technician but has been indicated by the League. Do you feel at high altitude?

“I’m a prefect, I don’t have a party history. I feel I am a servant of the state and I am aware that I have been called to play an important role in the government with a precise political line based on the vote of the electorate. A relationship of friendship binds me to Matteo Salvini as well as gratitude for the trust he has always shown in me ».