by InTrieste
About 250 people gathered in Trieste on Monday evening to draw attention to the situation of migrants arriving through the Balkan route and call for improved reception arrangements.
The demonstration began at around 6:30 p.m. in Piazza Libertà, near the city’s main railway station. Participants then moved toward the entrance to the Porto Vecchio area, stopping near the former Silos building, which has repeatedly been discussed as a possible temporary shelter for migrants but has never been approved for that purpose.
The gathering was peaceful, despite the strong bora winds sweeping through the city.
The demonstration was promoted through a flyer circulated on social media earlier in the day, carrying the slogan: “Flowers in hand, candles lit and anger in our hearts.” Several participants brought flowers, while relatively few candles remained lit because of the wind.
Among those attending were local residents, representatives of center-left political groups, including the Democratic Party and Adesso Trieste, and several civic organizations, including the Luchetta Foundation.
The former Silos has been at the center of discussions about temporary accommodation for migrants arriving in Trieste, particularly those traveling along the Balkan route. The issue has remained a recurring point of debate among local authorities, advocacy groups and residents, as the city continues to face questions about how to manage arrivals and provide adequate shelter.
The demonstration brought renewed attention to the challenges of migrant reception in Trieste, a city that serves as one of the main entry points into Italy along the Balkan migration route.
