The mayor of Ancona, Daniele Silvetti, has declared that the city has “done its part” and that attention must now look elsewhere regarding the reception of migrants. The mayor, who was elected from the centre-right coalition, made the statement in a social media post commenting on the arrival of the NGO ship Ocean Solidaire with 64 migrants on Friday, August 22nd.
He stated that the city and all its institutions have never shirked their role or “moral duty to welcome those fleeing their country of origin.” Silvetti noted that “organization, resources, facilities, and first aid goods have never been denied to those landing in the port.”
“However,” he continued, “we can no longer remain silent on the fact that NGOs continue to instrumentally transport migrants under various designations and that flows are simultaneously being directed to ports farthest from the sea rescue operations.” The mayor warned that the number of landings is now becoming excessive for both Ancona and the wider Marche region.
Concluding his remarks, Mayor Silvetti said he expects the national government to undertake a comprehensive review of the situation, citing scarce resources and the need to maintain the continuity of port activities.