Italy Votes on Citizenship, Labor ⁤Law Changes Amid turnout Concerns

⁢ Updated June⁣ 08, 2025

italians are casting ballots ⁢in referendums addressing both citizenship reform and labor law enhancements. The outcome hinges on voter turnout, which threatens to fall ‍short of the required threshold for ⁣validation.

At the heart of the‍ citizenship question is⁢ a proposal to reduce the residency period required for naturalization to five years. Currently, non-EU residents without familial ties to Italy must reside in ⁤the country for a decade before applying for citizenship, a process that can take several years.

Supporters ⁢of the change argue it could affect approximately 2.5 million foreign nationals and align Italy’s citizenship laws with those of other European nations like Germany and France.The measures are backed by major Italian unions ‍and left-wing opposition parties.

Prime Minister giorgia meloni, leader⁤ of⁣ the far-right Brothers of Italy party, has stated she will appear at the polls but abstain from voting.⁣ her party has focused on curbing illegal immigration while together increasing work visas for migrants. Meloni has voiced strong opposition to⁤ the proposed citizenship changes.

Meloni said Thursday ⁢that the existing system “is⁢ an excellent law… among ⁣the most open” in Europe regarding citizenship grants.

Statistics indicate that Italy⁢ granted citizenship to over 213,500 ⁤people in 2023, doubling the 2020 figure and accounting for one-fifth of the EU total. The majority of new citizens originated from outside the EU, primarily from‍ Albania, Morocco, Argentina, and Brazil.

even if the reform passes, it will not change the law affecting children born in italy to foreign⁢ parents, who must still wait ‍until they are 18 to apply for citizenship.

Italian singer ghali,born in Milan to ⁢Tunisian parents,has urged his fans ⁤to support the proposal. He⁤ received his citizenship at 18 and⁣ believes reducing the residency requirement is a step forward.

“I was born here, I always lived here, but I only⁣ received citizenship ⁤at the age of 18,” ghali said on Instagram. “With a ‘Yes’ we ask that five years of life here are enough, not 10, to be part of this country.”

Michelle Ngonmo, a cultural entrepreneur and advocate for diversity, also supports the “yes”⁢ vote. She emphasized the importance ⁢of belonging for those who contribute to Italian society but face barriers due to their citizenship status.

“This referendum is really about dignity and the right to belong, which is key for ⁢many people who were born here and spent most of their adult life contributing to Italian society. for them, a lack of citizenship is like‍ an invisible wall,” Ngonmo told the Associated Press.

In ⁢addition‍ to citizenship, the referendums address labor law reforms,⁣ including enhanced protections against dismissal,⁣ increased severance pay, the conversion of fixed-term contracts to permanent positions, and liability ⁣in workplace accident cases.

Polls in mid-May revealed that only 46% of Italians were aware of the referendum issues. turnout projections were weak, estimating about 35% of the 51 million eligible voters would participate, falling short of the required 50% ⁤plus one threshold.

Many⁢ of the 78⁤ referendums held in italy have⁤ failed due to insufficient‍ voter participation.

What’s next

Polling stations opened Sunday at 7 a.m. local time (05:00 GMT), and results are expected after polls close Monday at 3 p.m. (13:00 GMT).The outcome will determine the future of citizenship requirements and labor protections in Italy.