Billionaire Elon Musk entered Italy’s heated immigration debate on Tuesday, backing criticism of Italian judges who recently blocked the government’s plan to send migrants to Albania. Musk’s comments triggered backlash from Italy’s opposition and judiciary, deepening tensions over the country’s immigration policy.
Italian courts recently blocked the transfer of migrants to Albania, arguing that relocating those apprehended at sea outside the EU for processing could conflict with EU protections. This stance challenges a controversial agreement signed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to establish migrant processing centers in Albania.
Musk called for the removal of judges obstructing the plan, sparking immediate reaction. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the right-wing, anti-immigration Lega party, echoed Musk’s sentiment, saying in English that Musk’s stance was “absolutely correct.”
The center-left Democratic Party condemned Musk’s remarks as “unacceptable interference,” with party leaders warning of a “disturbing precedent” set by wealthy influencers involving themselves in global political affairs.
Legal experts, including Ernesto Carbone of Italy’s High Council of the Judiciary, accused Musk of undermining judicial independence. The National Association of Italian Jurists expressed surprise at Musk’s intervention and emphasized the need to safeguard both judicial independence and Italian sovereignty.
The court’s decision follows the recent transfer of a group of migrants from Egypt and Bangladesh, who had been intercepted at sea. While eight migrants were initially sent to Albania, one has since returned to Italy due to health concerns. The court’s actions reflect a broader effort to ensure migrant rights under EU law, sparking further debate in Italy’s political landscape.
The right-wing Meloni administration has faced increasing criticism from human rights advocates and EU officials, who argue that the government’s handling of immigration may risk breaching international protections. In response, the Meloni administration recently elevated Albania’s status on its “safe country” list, aiming to streamline migrant transfers and alleviate pressures on Italy’s border control.
