Italian Senator and former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visited the migrant processing center in Gjadër, Albania, on Wednesday, where he suggested the facility would be better used as a prison for Albanian citizens convicted in Italy, allowing them to serve their sentences closer to their families.

Renzi criticized the project as political propaganda by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming it has failed to reduce migrant numbers and has instead cost the Italian government around €1 billion—funds he believes would have been better spent on pensions and public sector wages.

“It would make more sense to convert these centers into prisons, so that Albanians convicted in Italy could be closer to their families,” Renzi said. “What’s being said in Italy is fake news—this here is the reality. Giorgia Meloni is a very talented influencer who continues to push this narrative, but through her statements, she’s only opened the doors to more migrants.”

He added, “This has nothing to do with left or right politics. I focus on budget matters. The Italian state has wasted nearly €1 billion of taxpayers’ money. In my opinion, that money should have gone toward pensions and salaries.”

Renzi concluded by warning that while propaganda may win political points, it ultimately results in financial losses for the Italian people.