Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said her government is ready to amend a controversial plan that offers financial incentives to lawyers who assist migrants with voluntary repatriation. The proposal has faced strong criticism from legal experts and raised concerns about its impact on the justice system.
The policy is part of a broader security decree expected to be approved by parliament. Under the plan, lawyers would receive state payments only after successfully helping migrants return to their home countries. The government argues that the measure is practical and aimed at improving migration management, but critics say it risks undermining legal ethics.
Legal bodies, including the Union of Italian Criminal Chambers, have strongly opposed the proposal. They argue that linking financial rewards to successful deportations could compromise the independence of lawyers and turn them into tools of government migration policy. Some experts have even described the measure as unconstitutional.
Concerns have also been raised by Sergio Mattarella, who has the authority to reject laws that conflict with the constitution. Reports suggest that the presidency has already shared “technical observations” with the government, urging a review of the proposal.
Despite the criticism, Meloni has made it clear that her government still supports the overall idea. She explained that while immediate changes may not be possible due to time constraints, adjustments could be introduced through a separate law in the near future. For now, the government plans to move forward with the current version of the decree.
The urgency comes from the legislative deadline. The decree must be approved by the lower house of parliament before April 25, or it will expire. Any changes at this stage would require another round of voting in the Senate, making it difficult to revise the bill in time.
The scheme includes a budget of about €1.2 million to fund the bonuses between 2026 and 2028. While the government views this as a structured approach to handling migration, critics warn it could damage trust in the legal system and blur the role of defence lawyers.
Meloni, who has led a right-wing coalition since 2022, has faced increasing pressure in recent weeks, especially after a setback in a referendum on judicial reform. However, she has rejected claims that the policy is flawed, insisting that the measures are based on “common sense” and are necessary for managing migration effectively.
The debate highlights wider tensions across Europe on how to handle migration. While some governments are tightening policies, others are facing internal disagreements over the balance between control, legality, and human rights.