The future of General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo points toward new heights within the Italian intelligence community as he is expected to become the next Vice Director of AISE (Agenzia informazioni e sicurezza estera). This key role becomes available as Figliuolo's current term as the emergency commissioner for flood recovery efforts in Emilia-Romagna draws to a close this December.
Speculation surrounding Figliuolo’s transition has been rife, with reports from Il Corriere della Sera indicating his appointment is all but confirmed. Sources close to the Italian government cite the importance of his military background and logistics expertise acquired during his previous appointments for this strategic role.
Currently, Figliuolo is serving as the commissioner for the post-flood reconstruction efforts following severe flooding events earlier this year, with plans for his appointment to AISE being discussed among top officials. This move is part of governmental efforts led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to solidify leadership roles meant to manage Italy’s external security affairs represented through AISE.
The outgoing Vice Director, Nicola Boeri, is set to retire by February 2025, necessitating this pivotal transition. Figliuolo’s military leadership has set him apart, especially during his high-profile management of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which showcased his capabilities during crises.
While his appointment to AISE seems imminent, discussions around the next commissioner for the flood recovery role have also surfaced. Regional officials, particularly from Emilia-Romagna, have expressed their concerns over the continuation of military figures occupying these pivotal roles. Regional Governor Michele de Pascale has voiced his discontent with the perceived military-dominated approach of the recent appointments. "Noi con fermezza diciamo che il modello attuale non va bene alla regione Emilia-Romagna" ("We firmly say the current model does not work for the Emilia-Romagna region"), declared De Pascale, underlining local governance’s skepticism of another military appointment for the area’s reconstruction leadership.
This debate is reflective of broader tensions between local and central governance structures, especially as the region demands increased autonomy and decision-making power to handle the recovery from the floods more effectively.
General Figliuolo, 63, is no stranger to high-stakes roles within the Italian government and military. He gained prominence during his tenure as the extraordinary commissioner for the COVID-19 emergency, appointed by then-PM Mario Draghi on March 1, 2021, and he skillfully led Italy’s vaccination efforts until March 31, 2022.
After being appointed commander of the Operational Command Interforces (COVI) on December 14, 2021, he later took the helm of flood recovery operations following devastating floods across Emilia-Romagna, Marche, and Tuscany. His upcoming transition to AISE symbolizes not only personal advancement but also reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining strong military figures within significant public service roles.
Speculations on potential successors to Figliuolo for the flood recovery position include other notable military names, such as Generals Maurizio Riccò and Mauro D’Ubaldi. The Italian government appears to favor maintaining strong military leadership to navigate the complex logistics involved with disaster recovery.
Discussions have centered on how the government seeks to avoid political tensions linked to this appointment, ensuring decisions remain as apolitical as possible. The appointment of subsequent leaders from military backgrounds has sparked both support and criticism based on differing philosophies of governance and resource management.
Vincenzo Colla, the Vice President of Emilia-Romagna, echoed De Pascale’s sentiments, stating the repairs and recovery operations are gravely influenced by those directly coordinating assistance on the ground: "Non è un problema di poteri, ma di efficacia" ("It's not about power, but about effectiveness").
Colla highlights the necessity for local leaders to have direct access to those who can facilitate actual recovery work, rather than higher-ups whose connection may be perceived as too distant from the realities on the ground.
The discussions around Figliuolo’s new appointment within the intelligence domain highlight the challenges and potential pitfalls of shared responsibilities between military command and regional governance. With his proven track record, Figliuolo is expected to handle AISE's responsibilities adeptly, but not without significant scrutiny on how military leaders are integrated within civilian disaster recovery efforts.
His imminent appointment signals not only continuity for his career but also indicates the Italian government's faith in military professionals for roles tackling complex national and global security issues. This approach is likely to be watched closely as it evolves, particularly as the government continues to face criticism and challenges pertaining to regional impacts and leadership effectiveness.
Figliuolo’s longstanding dedication to public service, mixed with his military expertise, suggests he is poised to bring significant insight to AISE, enhancing Italy's capabilities to manage external threats effectively.
For now, as the end of December approaches, the Italian government prepares for potential changes within its hierarchy, setting the stage for new beginnings as it contemplates how the blend of military and governance might shape Italy’s future.
