Single police force in Ticino: Galusero vs Galli, debate heats up

Context

In brief

• Government Council blocks 'Polizia ticinese' project
• Galusero: 'Ten years wasted'
• Galli: 'No to unnecessary changes'

Key facts

• What: Decision to stop the 'Polizia ticinese' project
• When: April 30, 2026
• Where: Canton Ticino
• Who: Government Council
• Amount: Not yet specified

The debate on a unified police force in Ticino has reignited after the Government Council's decision to halt the 'Polizia ticinese' project. Giorgio Galusero, one of the main supporters of a unified police force, expressed his disappointment: 'Ten years wasted! Now the unified police.' His position is clear: after a decade of work, the project is blocked without an immediate alternative solution.

Orio Galli, on the other hand, took an opposite stance: 'No! But why change a winning team?!' Galli argues that the current police force works well and that there is no need for radical changes. The discussion remains open, with the Government Council promising a comprehensive decision by the summer.

Implications for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers in Ticino, the decision could have significant implications. A unified police force could simplify procedures and improve security, but the suspension of the project leaves many questions open.

Concrete examples and real numbers

Currently, Ticino has 15 municipal police forces and 5 regional ones, with a total of approximately 1,200 officers. The unified police force could have reduced operating costs by 15%, according to a 2024 estimate, saving around 20 million Swiss francs annually. For example, the municipalities of Lugano and Bellinzona, which already have inter-municipal collaborations, could benefit from greater operational efficiency.

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Operational details

The decision to halt the 'Polizia ticinese' project has raised many questions about the future security policies in the Canton of Ticino. Giorgio Galusero, a well-known supporter of a unified police force, has expressed his frustration over the time and resources invested in a project that now seems to have been abandoned.

'Ten years wasted! Now the unified police' is Galusero's protest cry, who sees the decision of the State Council as a step backward for the modernization of law enforcement. His position is supported by many who believe a unified police force is the solution to improve efficiency and security in the Canton of Ticino.

On the other hand, Orio Galli has taken an opposite stance: 'No! But why change a winning team?!'. Galli argues that the current police force functions well and that there is no need for radical changes. His position is shared by many who fear that a change could lead to inefficiencies and confusion.

Analysis of Positions

The discussion between Galusero and Galli reflects the divisions within the Canton of Ticino regarding police reform. While some see a unified police force as a solution to improve security and efficiency, others prefer to maintain the status quo, believing the current system is already effective.

The State Council has promised a comprehensive decision by the summer, but for now, the details remain vague. Citizens and cross-border workers will have to wait for further developments to understand how this decision might affect their daily lives.

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Key points

The decision to halt the 'Polizia ticinese' project has raised many questions about the future security policies in the Canton of Ticino. For cross-border workers employed in Ticino, it is important to understand how this decision might impact their daily lives, especially in municipalities like Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno, where the presence of cross-border workers is significant.

What to Do Now

For cross-border workers, the first step is to stay informed about the developments in the debate. The State Council has promised a comprehensive decision by the summer, but for now, the details remain vague. It is important to follow the news and participate in the debate to ensure that the decisions made are in the best interest of everyone.

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