Despite strong support for easing citizenship rules, Italy's recent referendum failed to engage enough voters, reflecting a broader reluctance on migration issues. Prime Minister Meloni’s opposition was pivotal in the low turnout.
Unsuccessful Italian Referendum on Citizenship Easement Reflects Deep Divides
Unsuccessful Italian Referendum on Citizenship Easement Reflects Deep Divides
A recent referendum to simplify the citizenship process in Italy was met with disappointing voter turnout, highlighting ongoing immigration debates.
A referendum aiming to simplify the citizenship application process for foreigners in Italy concluded without success on Monday, as it failed to attract a sufficient voter turnout. Polling statistics indicated that only around 30% of eligible voters participated, significantly below the required threshold of 50% plus one person needed for the referendum to be valid. The voting, which occurred over the weekend, also included measures to enhance labor rights.
The outcome was particularly satisfying for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who openly opposed the changes proposed in the referendum. The primary aim was to reduce the residency requirement for foreigners from ten years to five before they could apply for citizenship. Some members within her coalition urged constituents to abstain from voting altogether. Notably, Meloni attended her polling station on Sunday but refrained from casting a vote.
This referendum sparked national conversations surrounding citizenship eligibility, amid heated discussions in both the United States and Europe regarding migration and birthright citizenship. In Italy, children of legal immigrants may only apply for citizenship upon turning 18, provided they have lived continuously in the country since birth. Many experts argue that welcoming migration is essential to counter Italy's demographic challenges.
The initiative was backed by significant civil society organizations, a prominent trade union, and a segment of the center-left opposition. However, it lacked broad bipartisan support, contributing to the lackluster turnout, which coincided with the start of the summer break for public schools across Italy. Historically, since 1990, only three out of 14 referendums in Italy have achieved the necessary voter engagement for validation.
Activist Fioralba Duma from Italians Without Citizenship remarked on the disappointment stemming from the turnout, acknowledging that while they expected difficulties, they were disheartened by the outcome. Nonetheless, she emphasized that the referendum successfully brought the citizenship debate into public discourse, highlighting the hurdles that many foreigners face in seeking integration into Italian society. With 64% of early voters expressing support for the proposed change to reduce the residency requirement to five years, many activists viewed the referendum's failure as a minor setback. Duma concluded resolutely with, "We will continue to work."
