Italian Premier Paolo Gentiloni said Europe and Italy "need" secure migrant flows - without criminal exploitation and human trafficking - in order to face a demographic reality that is increasing older, with fewer births. Gentiloni said the need for migrants is one that stems from both "a cultural and economic point of view," without fear or "closed attitudes"
Gentiloni said Italy has doubled its public aid for development in migratory countries of origin, moving from last place to fourth for contributions from G7 countries. However, he said, "It will take years, possibly decades, to significantly change life opportunities and hope for young Africans". He said that in the meantime, there must be an "extraordinary effort" to transform illegal migration into "safe, organised and regulated flows". This, he said, must come without "deceiving that part of the public that is understandably afraid, into believing there is some way to close the tap".
Italy "proud of results"
Gentiloni said Italy is "proud of the results" it has reached in managing the migrant crisis. "We have saved Europe's honour, and shown the way towards moving from flows managed by criminals to secure flows," he said. "Italy is giving a good example with its human corridors," he said. As the country faces elections in March, Gentiloni's comments set off some criticism from right wing parties in Ital. They said Italy doesn't need migrants but a higher birth rate, and they condemned what they call the government's "open door" policy.