To identify the next commander of the Gendarmerie, San Marino is once again looking abroad — specifically to the Carabinieri corps. Foreign Secretary Luca Beccari provided an update today during a joint session of council committees.
General Maurizio Faraone has asked to bring forward his retirement by a few months for personal reasons. However, Beccari clarified that the commander will not step down abruptly: he has made himself available to oversee the handover and remain in post until a suitable successor is found.
Also under consideration is the possibility that Faraone could remain director of Interpol until the natural end of his mandate. Such a solution would allow the new commander to focus initially on the Gendarmerie, without having to immediately take on the Interpol portfolio as well.
The profile being sought is that of a figure coming from the Carabinieri, with several years of service ahead and ready to make a definitive commitment, without maintaining dual affiliation. However, having commanded large units is not enough. What is needed above all is experience in international relations and specialised investigative skills, ranging from anti-mafia to anti-terrorism work.
Indeed, the Gendarmerie is taking on an increasingly broad role beyond San Marino’s borders through Interpol, the cooperation established with Europol, and participation in Fiep, the international federation of police forces with military status. New responsibilities will also arise from the association agreement with the European Union and border management.
Beccari finally reiterated that the appointment will be a Sammarinese decision, even within the historic relationship with the Carabinieri corps. Assessments are still ongoing, and possible candidacies will be shared once the framework has been finalised. The broader issue of reorganising the three police corps remains a separate matter, to be discussed independently of the individual chosen as commander.
