Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that Europe risks seeing a huge wave of migrants arriving on its shores from North Africa if financial stability in Tunisia is not safeguarded.
United Nations data, at least 12,000 of those who have reached Italy this year set sail from Tunisia, against 1,300 in the same period of 2022.
Meloni told reporters following a summit of European Union leaders in Brussels, “maybe not everyone is aware of the need to preserve the financial stability in a country which has severe financial problems.”
“If we do not adequately address those problems we risk unleashing an unprecedented wave of migration.”
President Saed’s reign has gained wild criticism from local and international entities. Earlier in the week, Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani remarked on Sunday the IMF, the United States, and other international caution to stop bailout talks demanding Tunisia’s far-reaching reforms.
Tajani said Italy is worried that International Monetary Fund’s block on a $1.9 billion loan to Tunisia might lead to a new wave of migrants toward Europe. He also proposed to fellow EU foreign ministers on Monday to split the bailout funds into installments, with a first payment freed up immediately and later ones linked to progress on reforms.
Also, United States Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf on Friday claimed that the president’s style of leadership has caused “enormous concern” over the country.
Since replacing the government of Hichem Mechichi in 2021, President Saed has also moved to rule by decree before writing a new constitution that he passed last year. He has sacked the government, suspended parliament, and seized a string of powers.