Flavio Di Muro, the Mayor of Vintimille, has been in office since May 2023 after being elected with support from the political parties led by Matteo Salvini and Giorgia Meloni.

In the two years since his election, Di Muro has emphasized his administration's efforts to address security issues and migration challenges in the city.

Upon taking office, Vintimille had an estimated 300 migrants residing in the area daily.

Presently, this number has been reduced to an average of thirty.

Di Muro attributes this decline to a combination of international factors and the initiatives implemented by his administration to manage what he describes as an unsustainable coexistence between migrants and local residents.

To tackle these issues, the Di Muro administration has undertaken several concrete actions.

The municipal police force was restructured to include a night service, and officers have been equipped with electroshock weapons to improve their response to conflicts.

In collaboration with the prefect, periodic operations have been conducted to dismantle illegal camps that have proliferated in the area.

To enhance security in public spaces, armed guards have been stationed at the local cemetery to address concerns over unsanitary conditions caused by migrant encampments.

Additionally, measures have been taken to secure abandoned buildings that have become hotspots for undesirable activities.

Di Muro has confirmed that the Italian government has provided support for these initiatives, including a bolstered military and police presence.

Fixed posts have been established in sensitive areas of the city, and plans are underway to install approximately 150 surveillance cameras to equip Vintimille with comprehensive video protection.

Concerns regarding the local effects of migration were underscored by the mayor, who noted that the visible presence of groups of migrants in public spaces significantly impacted the daily lives of residents.

Reported incidents included groups congregating in front of municipal theatres and parks, leading to discomfort among families and reluctance from elderly residents to visit graves of loved ones.

Such circumstances, according to Di Muro, are incompatible with the standards of living expected in a European city.

When asked about the reasons for these changes, Di Muro pointed to the refusal of many migrants to utilize existing accommodation facilities in Italy, aiming instead to reach France.

This refusal has led to makeshift living conditions and a rise in public disturbances, necessitating the implementation of strict municipal regulations against certain behaviors.

Di Muro described his approach as one of 'zero tolerance,' asserting that significant improvements have been made in terms of local security since he took office.

As of now, there are about 200 law enforcement personnel operating within Vintimille, comprising members from local police, national police, border police, and other security agencies.

In addition to his focus on security, Di Muro has articulated ambitious plans to reposition Vintimille as a prominent international and tourist destination.

The recent acquisition of the Vintimille port by the Principality of Monaco has sparked optimism for attracting a wealthier clientele.

Di Muro envisions leveraging the city’s strategic geographical location, situated between the Italian Riviera and the French Côte d’Azur, along with proximity to Nice Airport and accessible routes to Piedmont and Turin.

Vintimille is expected to play a central role in a European Territorial Cooperation Group being established with Sanremo, Menton, and Limone Piemonte.

The mayor indicates a desire for Vintimille to be recognized for its tourism potential rather than its association with migration challenges.

Data from a regional observatory highlights Vintimille as the Ligurian city experiencing the highest growth in tourism, reporting an 18% increase in overnight stays compared to the previous year.