Italy Defense Undersecretary defends Strade Sicure security model

Isabella Rauti, the Undersecretary of State for Defense, stated that the ‘Strade Sicure’ operation remains a vital model for national security rather than an outdated one. Speaking at the Festival dell’Espresso, she noted that the program is entering its 18th year and is being strengthened by the Meloni government through the introduction of ‘Stazioni Sicure,’ which increases military presence at major Italian railway hubs.

Rauti emphasized that the initiative has improved both the perception of safety and actual security through continuous, 24/7 monitoring. While she did not rule out increasing personnel, she cautioned that any expansion must account for the reality of current resources. She noted that approximately 6,800 military personnel are currently engaged in the program, while many others are deployed on international missions. Rauti stressed that any increase in personnel requires sufficient time for specialized training, formation, and equipment.