Italy holds referendum on citizenship rules for Non-EU residents

Italians vote over two days starting Sunday on referendums that would make it easier for children born in Italy to foreigners to obtain citizenship, and on providing more job protection. But apparently low public awareness risks rendering the votes invalid if turnout is not high enough. Campaigners for the change in the citizenship law say it will help second-generation Italians born in the country to non- European Union parents better integrate into a culture they already see as theirs.Italian singer Ghali, who was born in Milan to Tunisian parents, urged people to vote in an online post, noting that the referendum risks failure if at least 50% plus one of eligible voters don't turn out.
The first proposal seeks to reduce the waiting period for non-EU residents to apply for citizenship from 10 years to just five, aligning Italy with countries like Germany and France. Campaigners argue that the change could benefit around 2.5 million people and are backed by the centre-left Democratic Party. The reform is part of a broader movement to streamline immigration processes. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly opposing both proposed reforms and urging citizens to abstain.
However, Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, has called the current law “excellent,” claiming Italy already grants one of the highest numbers of citizenships in Europe. Meloni and her coalition have urged voters to boycott the referendum, which will only be valid if at least 50% of eligible voters cast their ballots. While the referendum could bring changes to citizenship and employment rights, it will not address a longstanding issue-children born in Italy to foreign parents currently cannot apply for citizenship until they turn 18.
The new rules, if passed, could affect about 2.5 million foreign nationals who still struggle to be recognised as citizens.Activists and opposition parties also denounced the lack of public debate on the measures, accusing the governing center-right coalition of trying to dampen interest in sensitive issues that directly impact immigrants and workers. In May, Italy’s AGCOM communications authority lodged a complaint against RAI state television and other broadcasters for a lack of adequate and balanced coverage.