Between criticisms from multiple NGOs, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a brief visit to Turkey before traveling to Tunisia to meet President Kaïs Saied, who has faced scrutiny for authoritarian governance and his approach to migration. In these discussions, Meloni conveyed that Italy would back Tunisia in negotiations with international partners, including a forthcoming loan arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) valued at 1.9 billion dollars.
The statement came as Saied appeared receptive to the outreach, and Meloni indicated she would urge European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to schedule a future trip that would seek to bolster regional dialogue and stability. This move aligns with a broader strategy launched over recent weeks, emphasizing humanitarian concerns alongside practical aid to Tunisia. Meloni highlighted that the IMF’s current stance shows a degree of rigidity, noting that it has not yet secured all necessary guarantees from Saied. While this rigidity might be understandable given the domestic and regional uncertainties, questions remain about whether a more flexible approach could yield more durable solutions. These remarks were echoed during the recent Group of Seven discussions in Hiroshima, where the Italian leader outlined the potential consequences and possible alternatives if different governance paths emerge in Tunisia.
curb immigration
Analysts view the current diplomacy as an attempt to address a pressing problem linked to rising migration flows. They note that a slowdown in refugee and migrant movements from Tunisia would be beneficial for several neighbouring countries dealing with overwhelmed systems. The topic has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations, which argue that harsh migration policies can undermine human rights and fail to address the root causes of displacement. Saied’s governance campaign has also been criticized for its tone toward immigrants and for measures that appeared aimed at pressuring people to leave the country.
Italy’s role in this dynamic has drawn attention from NGOs and legal groups. A coalition including Stop departures from Tunisia, a prominent network, and Lawyers Without Borders expressed concerns about the bilateral cooperation focused on Shoring up Tunisia’s security apparatus. They argued that the collaboration should prioritize protection of fundamental rights and ensure due process rather than simply strengthening interior and defense authorities. The organizations stressed that aid and security support must align with international obligations and human rights standards, even as they acknowledged the real need for governance reforms within Tunisia.
According to various sources, successive Italian governments since 2014 have allocated hundreds of millions of euros to support stabilization efforts in Tunisia. The expectation is that a broader economic package will accompany security and governance reforms, contributing to improved living conditions that could reduce the incentive for people to embark on perilous journeys. The dialogue also covers the evolving migration landscape, with Tunisian citizens and residents considering opportunities abroad while authorities seek to manage departures in a way that minimizes risk and preserves dignity.
Overall, the exchanges illustrate a nuanced approach to regional diplomacy. The goal is to balance practical economic and security assistance with a commitment to humane treatment of migrants and a respect for political pluralism. The situation remains fluid, with international lenders, regional partners, and Tunisian leaders weighing options as the socioeconomic environment shifts and the trajectories of reform become clearer. The parties involved continue to emphasize dialogue, incremental steps, and the shared aim of stabilizing a critical crossroads in the Mediterranean region.