The protection detail for Deputy Prime Ministers Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini has been heightened, while the maximum-level security for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remains unchanged. The decision was made during a meeting at the prefecture in Rome, where it was agreed to enhance or increase protective services for certain institutional and political figures, according to qualified sources.
Foreign Minister Tajani confirmed the move, stating, “It means the climate is not the best.” This follows the murder of Charlie Kirk and an order from the Interior Ministry (Viminale) last Friday for a “review and potential strengthening of risk profile measures.”
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi explained the rationale: “Starting with our leaders, I mandated a verification and update of security conditions. There have been some exaggerated tones, even in parliament, which inspired this: we will proceed accordingly.” After days of consultation among security agencies, the instruction was issued to raise the protection level for the two deputy premiers—a measure the minister described as based on “maximum precaution.”
The conflicts in Ukraine and, notably, the Israeli attack on Gaza, have inflamed public debate. Last Friday, Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani raised a clear alarm, referencing comments on Kirk’s death by evoking “reasoning heard in the times of Sergio Ramelli and the Red Brigades.”
Tajani echoed the concern: “I have always said we must use different language to avoid inflaming passions. Today my protection level was raised, meaning the climate is not the best. I, however, urge everyone to lower the tones. I have not offended anyone today.” Minister Piantedosi further warned against “underestimating the risk that verbal violence could trigger emulation phenomena or rash actions by less structured elements.”
With the regional election campaign intensifying, it was decided to maximize security for top government officials during public appearances and beyond. The primary concern is not organized attacks by structured cells, but unpredictable actions by individuals. Consequently, there will be enhanced scrutiny of routes and areas to be used by Meloni, Tajani, Piantedosi, and other at-risk personalities, with increased surveillance and police personnel.
Particular attention will be paid to public events, where crowds could complicate security. The highest level of protection—first tier—now extended to Tajani and Salvini, involves three armored escort vehicles, each with three officers, constituting a security apparatus of at least 30 people over a 24-hour period. This level was already in place for the Prime Minister. The new, reinforced security detail will be operational for their upcoming institutional, electoral, or private engagements.