The Italian government has reaffirmed its commitment to proceeding with its project of transferring rescued migrants at sea to centers established in Albania.

This statement came after 43 migrants, who had arrived in Gjadër on Tuesday, were returned to Italy on Saturday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, stated that efforts to combat illegal immigration must not stop.

“We must promote regular immigration, but at the same time, we must combat illegal immigration. We are convinced that we are right, so we will move forward,” Tajani declared.

His statement has reignited political controversy in Italy. Opposition leader Elly Schlein called the so-called “Albanian Model” a failed project.

“I said from the beginning that the so-called ‘Albanian Model’ could not work. I support strict border controls, but this should be done by making agreements with countries like Tunisia, Niger, or Libya,” said Senator Carlo Calenda.

Other opposition figures have also expressed criticism, arguing that the investment in reception structures for migrants in Gjadër was a wasted effort.