Patrol boats picked up several hundred people travelling in small boats and brought them ashore, while others managed to reach the coast. Right-wing parties, including the co-ruling League party of former interior minister Matteo Salvini, responded by warning about "thousands of illegal immigrants" arriving in Italy. Salvini called for a crisis meeting with Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Sunday. Salvini said he was already in contact with Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese. Lamorgese had also contacted Prime Minister Draghi during the weekend about the rise in numbers, ANSA said.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 10, 2021 09:33 UTC