The left-wing mayor of Brescia has broken ranks with her political allies, warning that her city can no longer cope with the growing number of asylum seekers. Laura Castelletti, a lifelong socialist backed by Italy’s progressive coalition, criticised what she called the unfair burden placed on urban centres like hers, saying: “Everyone must do their part.”
Her comments followed the arrival of just thirteen new asylum seekers—but Brescia already hosts over 260, while most towns in the surrounding province take none. Of the 205 municipalities in the area, only 45 participate in Italy’s migrant reception programmes.
Castelletti previously opposed a government plan to route 25 migrants a day through the city in 2023. That plan was eventually abandoned. Now, with summer arrivals expected to surge, she is calling on national leaders—including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—to implement a lasting solution, warning that the current system is unsustainable.
