Public service Criticism of temporary asylum center in southern Ticino
In Val Mara at the southern end of Lake Lugano, around 40 asylum seekers are to be housed in an empty hotel until the end of March. The FDP and SVP criticize that the municipality only found out about this from the media.
14.03.2025, 16:32
14.03.2025, 16:33
SDA
This approach undermines the involvement and commitment of the local authorities, who are in fact not in a position to participate in the decision-making process. And this despite the fact that the decisions have a "significant impact" on their community, writes SVP cantonal councillor Aline Prada in an interpellation addressed to the Ticino cantonal government.
The Ticino FDP is also concerned. It would like to know from the government why the population was only informed so shortly before the asylum seekers arrived. The three councillors in question are also asking whether the security measures in the area around the temporary asylum center will be increased. Both motions are expected to be dealt with next Monday at the start of the session of the Ticino cantonal parliament.
Population to be informed on Tuesday
The responsible Department of Health and Social Affairs did not provide any information at the request of the Keystone-SDA news agency on Friday, but referred to the public information event in the municipality next Tuesday. The population of the village of Rovio, which has a population of just under 800, will then be informed.
The political municipality of Val Mara, to which Rovio belongs, was in fact only informed after the agreement between the canton and the hotel owners was concluded. This was confirmed by the municipality in a letter to the information evening next Tuesday. Specifically, around 40 asylum seekers are to be accommodated in the former "Park Hotel". However, the number of asylum seekers may change depending on demand.
