Rome – Italy’s Council of Ministers today approved a new security decree aimed at bolstering public order and addressing rising concerns over crime, with measures ranging from preventative detention for potential protestors to a crackdown on the sale of weapons to minors. The decree, finalized after extensive debate and scrutiny from President Sergio Mattarella, represents a key initiative for the government of Giorgia Meloni, who described the measures as a crucial step in ensuring citizen safety.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, speaking at a press conference following the Council of Ministers meeting, emphasized that the decree is not a “liberticidal” measure, but rather a necessary tool for proactive policing. He highlighted the provision for preventative detention, allowing authorities to detain individuals suspected of posing a threat during demonstrations for up to two hours, subject to judicial oversight. “There is a relationship with the judicial authority, to whom it is communicated that the person is accompanied to a police office and held for up to two hours,” Piantedosi explained. “If they deem there are no grounds, they can order the release.”
The decree comes in the wake of recent violence in Turin and reflects a broader push by the government to address public safety concerns. According to officials, the dialogue with President Mattarella was “excellent,” with concerns raised regarding preventative detention and a so-called “shield” protecting law enforcement officers from automatic registration in cases of self-defense or duty fulfillment being addressed through revisions. The decree aims to strike a balance between security measures and constitutional rights, a point underscored by Piantedosi’s assertion that the government is mindful of the limits placed on personal freedom.
A key component of the legislation focuses on addressing the proliferation of weapons. The decree introduces a ban on the sale of knives with blades exceeding five centimeters, including those with retractable or butterfly mechanisms, to minors, with penalties ranging from 500 to 3,000 euros, potentially increasing to 12,000 euros for repeat offenses. The Authority for Communications Guarantees will be responsible for enforcing these regulations and retailers will be required to maintain an electronic sales registry.
Beyond preventative measures and weapons control, the decree also addresses issues related to immigration and organized crime. It stipulates that individuals convicted of altering weapons, manufacturing explosives, or possessing prohibited firearms will be barred from entering Italy. The decree mandates that foreign nationals detained or interned in migrant centers cooperate with authorities in establishing their identity and providing relevant documentation.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio connected the new measures to historical efforts to combat terrorism, referencing past legislation and the need for vigilance against extremist groups. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening oversight of law enforcement through ongoing constitutional reforms, emphasizing the importance of checks and balances.
The decree also includes provisions related to the Ponte (Bridge) project, with urgent measures concerning extraordinary commissioners and concessions. A package of norms on transparency regarding pay equity between men and women has been approved.
Looking ahead, Minister Piantedosi announced that the government will be evaluating a broader package of immigration regulations in the coming weeks, with the goal of aligning Italian law with new European Union directives by June. This includes consideration of what has been referred to as a “naval blockade,” involving the interception of vessels in Italian territorial waters and the potential transfer of migrants to safe third countries for asylum processing, where such agreements exist.
The decree introduces a prohibition on participation in public gatherings or assemblies for individuals convicted of a range of offenses, including terrorism, vandalism, and assault against law enforcement or healthcare workers. Violators face penalties of four months to one year in prison. The decree also outlines procedures for the immediate notification of public prosecutors regarding preventative detentions and provides for the preliminary annotation of cases where self-defense or legitimate duty may be invoked, ensuring due process and legal protections.
A 50 million euro fund has been established for 2026 to co-finance collaborative agreements between the Interior Ministry, the Infrastructure Ministry, and the Italian State Railways to enhance security within and around train stations, including upgrades to surveillance technology.
While the government has presented a unified front, some opposition voices have emerged. Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, criticized the government for adopting measures previously rejected by their coalition, specifically regarding the prosecution of petty theft without requiring a formal complaint from the victim. Matteo Renzi, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Lega party, indicated his party would push for the inclusion of a provision for bail, a measure he believes is crucial but currently absent from the decree.
The decree-law, comprising 39 articles and introducing 14 new criminal offenses, builds upon a similar measure approved by the Chamber of Deputies in September 2024. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration and must be converted into law by June 10th. The legislation represents a significant step in the government’s broader strategy to enhance security and restore a sense of safety and freedom for Italian citizens, according to Prime Minister Meloni.
