Protests in Bologna, where free distribution of crack pipes sparks controversy.

A new municipal initiative is about to launch in Bologna , involving the distribution of crack pipes , aimed at reducing the risks associated with crack use. The measure, although motivated by public health objectives, has immediately sparked heated political and social debate.

Free crack pipes: Bologna City Council launches trial

According to the municipal administration led by Matteo Lepore , a member of the Democratic Party, free aluminum pipes for crack users will be distributed in the coming weeks. The initiative is part of a broader harm reduction program, launched about a year and a half ago, aimed at limiting the negative effects of the drug .

The equipment will be provided by ASP street workers and can also be requested at the Fuori Binario organization's offices on Via Carracci. Welfare Councilor Matilde Madrid explained that the use of appropriate equipment can help limit health risks such as bleeding, tracheitis, and infections resulting from the use of improvised and shared materials.

"Crack remains a substance with serious health effects, and we are aware of this. Harm reduction policies are primarily aimed at intercepting these people: 55% are Italian. The trial has shown that the use of appropriate tools can reduce consumption and secondary conditions such as bleeding, tracheitis, and infections resulting from the use of improvised and shared materials. This is why we are extending it."

The trial also includes the provision of drug-checking kits, useful for testing substances before consumption.

Political reactions and controversies to the decision of the Municipality of Bologna

The municipality's decision sparked strong criticism from opposition parties. Representatives of the Lega , Fratelli d'Italia , and Forza Italia called the measure " unacceptable " and an incentive to drug use, emphasizing how public funds are being used to facilitate drug use. Some drew parallels with policies from the 1990s, challenging the "harm reduction" approach and calling for interventions more focused on prevention and drug rehabilitation.

"Crack pipes distributed by the City of Bologna, at taxpayers' expense? This is madness. Drugs are deadly and disgusting . They should be stopped, not encouraged," commented Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

"The decision by the left-wing Municipality of Bologna to distribute free crack pipes to drug addicts represents a point of no return. The Democratic Party and its comrades make it clear, once and for all, that they have no intention of combating the spread of drugs or stopping dealers," added Silvia Sardone, deputy secretary of the League, in a statement.

Brothers of Italy, through MEP Stefano Cavedagna, harshly criticized the measure, accusing Mayor Lepore and the city council of encouraging drug use and dealing. According to Cavedagna, distributing free crack pipes using public funds from Bologna citizens would be unacceptable and constitute a form of incitement to crime , effectively promoting drug use.

Maurizio Gasparri, president of the Forza Italia senatorial coalition, also expressed a similar opinion, calling the municipality's decision contrary to the fight against drug abuse. He argued that those who fall into addiction should be supported by their communities to overcome the crisis, not encouraged to use drugs. Gasparri also called the Democratic Party-led administration's decision "a disgrace."

For her part, Councilor Madrid reiterated that the initiative primarily aims to create non-judgmental contact with consumers, promoting support for recovery services and reducing immediate health risks.