The ongoing clash between the Italian government and the judiciary over the detention of migrants in Albania has taken an unexpected turn, with US billionaire Elon Musk weighing in on the issue. Musk, a prominent supporter of Donald Trump, criticized Italian judges via a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling for their removal. His comment came in response to the decision of an Italian court that had suspended the validation of the detention of seven migrants who were transported to Albania but secretly returned to Italy. This foreign intervention has added fuel to the already heated domestic debate.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, a staunch ally of the government’s hardline stance on immigration, quickly echoed Musk’s remarks. “Elon Musk is right,” Salvini said, reflecting his frustration with the judicial decisions that prevent the deportation of migrants. However, not all figures within the center-right coalition were comfortable with Musk’s intervention. Maurizio Lupi, leader of the centrist party Noi Moderati, dismissed Musk’s comments as “inopportune,” highlighting the potential diplomatic fallout from such statements.
The opposition parties were quick to condemn Musk’s interference. Debora Serracchiani, the Democratic Party’s justice spokesperson, labeled Musk’s comments as an “unacceptable intrusion into the affairs of a sovereign and democratic country.” Elly Schlein, the secretary of the PD, joined the outcry, accusing Musk of attempting to undermine the independence of the judiciary. Schlein also criticized the government, particularly Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, for remaining silent on the issue. Opposition lawmakers demanded that Meloni step in to defend Italy’s sovereignty and the integrity of its legal system.
In response, the National Association of Magistrates (ANM) condemned Musk’s statements as an attack on Italy’s sovereignty. ANM President Giuseppe Santalucia expressed outrage, emphasizing Musk’s role as a key figure in global politics and his recent involvement in Trump’s political campaign. The ANM called for greater respect for the judiciary and cautioned against using media platforms to undermine Italy’s legal institutions. Tensions remain high as the government prepares for a critical decision by Italy’s Court of Cassation regarding the autonomy of judges in matters related to national security and migration.
The dispute also extended to a fierce confrontation between Musk and the NGO Sea Watch. Musk, who has been vocal in his criticism of migrant rescue operations, referred to Sea Watch as a “criminal organization” on X. The NGO, which has been involved in rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean, condemned Musk’s remarks as a “serious intimidation.” Sea Watch’s spokesperson, Giorgia Linardi, accused the media of being used to threaten the judiciary, calling for the government to protect Italy’s justice system rather than align with such attacks.
