by InTrieste
Lilia Fredella officially took office on Tuesday as Trieste’s new police chief, becoming the third woman to hold the position in the city’s history. The transition of leadership took place on Monday, when she succeeded Pietro Ostuni.
Fredella’s appointment marks a homecoming of sorts. Her father worked in Trieste for twenty years, a connection that she reflected on during her first press conference. Overcome with emotion as she recalled her family’s ties to the city, she briefly teared up before quickly regaining composure and turning her focus to the challenges ahead.
When asked whether being a female police chief differs from being a male one, Fredella dismissed the notion of a fundamental difference. “I don’t think so,” she said, “but I am certainly more empathetic.” She emphasized that she approaches her work with great passion, a quality she believes is essential in law enforcement.
Fredella now faces a range of pressing security concerns in Trieste, from organized crime to public safety measures. With a determined stance, she made it clear that she is ready to tackle these issues head-on, ensuring that the city remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
Her appointment also comes at a time when more women are taking leadership roles across Friuli Venezia Giulia. The future rector of the University of Trieste is likely to be a woman, with two female candidates in the running, and several other women are assuming top positions in various organizations. Fredella’s new role could serve as a testament to a broader shift in the region, signaling an era of increasing female leadership in historically male-dominated fields.
The new police chief’s blend of experience, dedication, and personal connection to Trieste positions her as a notable figure in the city’s evolving law enforcement landscape.
