INTERIOR MINISTER MARONI'S PLANS FOR INTEGRATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MILAN 000016 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/08/2020 TAGS: IT KIRF KISL PGOV PHUM PINR SMIG SUBJECT: INTERIOR MINISTER MARONI'S PLANS FOR INTEGRATION REF: A. 10 MILAN 2 Classified By: CONSUL GENERAL CAROL Z. PEREZ FOR REASONS 1.4 (B, D) ¶1. (C) Summary: Interior Minister Roberto Maroni, a member of the Northern League (LN) party, recently announced a new draft law that would offer immigrants a residence permit, known as a "permesso di soggiorno," in return for a promise to integrate into Italian society. The Maroni plan--which comes with a point system connected to Italian language ability, knowledge of the constitution, enrolling children in Italian schools, etc.--has come under fire from the opposition, which has charged that the plan will be counter productive, and is viewed with skepticism by immigrant advocates, given the past tough approach by Maroni and his party. At the same time, he is arranging an advisory council on Muslim integration with participants from the world of academics and the most moderate of Islamic leaders. This latter plan as well should be viewed with suspicion. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Interior Minister Roberto Maroni, a member of the anti-immigrant Northern League (LN) party, announced a new initiative tying the "permesso di soggiorno," the residence permit that allows immigrants to reside legally in Italy, to a points system. The proposed new law, supported by the Welfare Minister Maurizio Sacconi (of PM Berlusconi's People of Liberty party),is soon to be presented to the Council of Ministers. As drafted, the proposal allows for a residence permit to be issued for two years if the immigrant has signed an agreement to integrate into Italian society. In order to measure that integration the immigrant would need to comply with a series of obligations earning points for their completion. If, at the end of two years, he or she has earned a minimum of 30 points, the permit can be extended. If the immigrant has not attained the requisite level of points, he or she is deported. Points are earned for demonstrating proficiency in the Italian language and knowledge of the Constitution, enrolling in national healthcare, sending minor children to Italian schools, and so forth. Points can also be deducted for wrongdoing, including criminal acts. In that case, a one-year extension of the permesso can be awarded to afford an opportunity for the applicant to "earn back" the lost points. Failure to do so would result in deportation. ¶3. (SBU) Maroni argues that this system would "guarantee integration" and is similar to those in other countries. However, members of the Democratic Party (Pd) are voicing opposition to the plan. The Pd Chief of the Commission on Constitutional Affairs has called the point system a "scandalous social lottery" and Italy the "most xenophobic country in Europe." According to Livia Turco, former Minister of Health in the Prodi government and current Pd President of the Forum on Immigration and Social Politics, point programs used by other countries can not work in Italy. She reasons that because the renewal of an Italian residence permit takes a year or more, and because the courses for language and culture would be managed solely by the Catholic Church, those programs effective elsewhere are not the same. Turco, who has advocated for other integration initiatives (reftel A),sees this system as "hindering integration and favoring abuses." ¶4. (C) Maroni,s announcement of the points-for-permesso plan comes publicly while privately he is reported to be organizing an Advisory Council on Muslim issues. Those invited to participate in the Council are at this point unknown to one another. However, Consulate contacts have advised us that members will include professors from Milan,s Catholic University and the State University of Milan as well as one well-known imam from Milan. The group is expected to advise Maroni and organize programs directed at the Muslim community. One such program is expected to be training for imams and religious leaders in the northern regions of Lombardy and Piedmont. Also anticipated is an appropriation of 400,000 euro to fund the Council and its initiatives. We expect further details and a public announcement of the Council after February 10. ¶5. (C) Comment: In light of Maroni,s political affiliation and history of taking a harsh stand on immigration, it is hard to believe that his actions toward any immigrant community, particularly Muslims, are altruistic at their core. Rather, the points system is likely more about pandering to popular voters that fear immigration than seeking true integration. While one can hope that the Council will lead to badly needed improvements in communication between the GOI and the Muslim community, it is more likely to be the sheep,s clothing donned by the wolf. After all, it was Maroni who blamed years of tolerance of illegal immigration for the riots in Rosarno last month and it was he that called the uproar over the anti-immigrant "White Christmas" campaign (that he had approved) a "big MILAN 00000016 002 OF 002 brouhaha over nothing." He is known more for calling for the closure of mosques and banning their construction than reaching out to the Muslim community or seeking their advice. As the most powerful Minister in the Northern League,s stable, Maroni is not about to alienate his party by embracing immigration and integration in a manner contrary to their stated positions. For that reason, the motivation for the current proposals is, at the very least, suspect. End Comment Perez