Roberto Saviano, under protection since his revelations about mafia practices and drug trafficking 20 years ago, tells French senators that it is up to political power to take action and defends the legalization of cannabis.
Published on February 26, 2024 7:09 p.m
Reading time: 2 minutes
The writer and journalist Roberto Saviano, heard by the Senate on February 26, 2024. (PUBLIC SENATE)
On the screen from Rome, where he addresses senators via a screen, we see nothing of the security system around Roberto Saviano: armored cars and seven bodyguards who accompany him every day. It only shows his face with his shaved head and gray beard.
For almost 20 years, since the shocking revelations in his book “Gomorra” about the Neapolitan mafia, a price has been placed on him. Italian writer and investigative journalist Roberto Saviano addressed the Senate via video conference on Monday, February 26. He spoke as part of the work of the commission of inquiry into the impact of drug trafficking in France and the measures to be taken to eradicate it.
Roberto Saviano wants to make it clear to the senators from the start what the cocaine market will bring.
“1,000 euros invested in stocks on the stock market today will bring in 1,100 euros after a year if things go reasonably well. 1,000 euros invested in the cocaine market will bring in 182,000 euros at the end of a year.”
Roberto Saviano
in front of French senators
Roberto Saviano believes that France is particularly affected by drug trafficking. And especially Marseille, which he calls the twin of Naples. He adds that no political faction is dealing with it
because the topic does not arouse public opinion. However, in his opinion, all of Europe must unite to implement anti-mafia policies.
Legalize cannabis to keep it away from hard drugs
Roberto Saviano also defended the legalization of cannabis to the senators. According to the Italian journalist, hard drugs account for 40% of drug trafficking revenue. Legalizing cannabis would be a blow to their economy, as was the case in the United States and Uruguay.
“With legalization, criminal organizations have to give up money, but also space,” says Roberto Saviano. “That's not always the case, but sometimes those who smoke marijuana then switch to cocaine and then to heroin. If it happens like that.” This is because the same dealer supplies both substances. With legalization, this situation will disappear.”
A costly fight
In Italy, despite political and legislative efforts, the fight against the mafia lacks resources. According to Roberto Saviano, the justice system is still too slow and civil society is in crisis. Few citizens get involved, and those who do pay a high price.
“I think I burned my own life. I wasn't aware of what I was doing. I was romantic. Maybe I was stupid. I was 26 and found myself in this situation. Today I am 40 years old and I am unfortunately still in the same situation,” explains Roberto Saviano. He repeats it again to the French senators that it is up to the political power to act.