A new migrant facility called Spazio 11 opened in Trieste on February 19, sparking heated political debate. The center, created by Caritas in cooperation with the volunteer group Donk-Humanitarian Medicine ODV and supported by the UNHCR, offers a safe space for migrants and refugees. At Spazio 11, people can rest on chairs, use restrooms, enjoy hot drinks, charge their phones, and access medical care and legal advice. The center even provides overnight accommodation for up to 70 individuals.
The opening of this facility has divided local politicians. Claudio Giacomelli, regional leader of the Fratelli d’Italia party, criticized the center, calling it “a terrible development for the city.” He argued that the facility, located near Piazza Libertà—a neighborhood already struggling with social issues—is not meant for asylum seekers but for irregular migrants who pass through Trieste and leave quickly.
In contrast, Francesco Russo, the regional vice president of the Democratic Party, defended the initiative. He pointed out that migration is a real issue and that the center is one of the many efforts to offer practical help. Russo also condemned the attacks against the Church of Trieste and the institutions working with Caritas and the UNHCR. He questioned where Giacomelli and his colleagues had been during the years of rising migration, suggesting they were quick to criticize now that they hold power.
The controversy in Trieste reflects a broader national debate over how best to manage migration. As the city seeks to balance humanitarian efforts with public concerns, many are watching closely to see how this new initiative will impact the community.