Italian Citizenship Referendum Fails Due to Low Voter Turnout

A recent referendum in Italy aimed at reforming citizenship regulations has failed due to insufficient voter engagement, emphasizing a growing divide over immigration issues.

A referendum held in Italy concerning the easing of rules for foreign nationals seeking citizenship has not succeeded, primarily due to a disheartening voter turnout. Polls closed on Monday with only about 30% of eligible voters having participated, far below the required 50% threshold for the referendum to be valid.

The push, which aimed to reduce the residency requirement for citizenship from ten years to five, also included proposals for enhancing labor rights. The outcome served as a victory for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a vocal opponent of the referendum. Despite her coalition's lack of active support, Meloni opted not to cast her ballot, alongside some coalition members advocating for voter abstention.

The referendum spurred vital discussions across Italy regarding citizenship, particularly amid ongoing global dialogues related to immigration and birthright citizenship. Currently, children of lawful immigrants born in Italy can only apply for citizenship once they reach 18, contingent on continuous residency since birth—an aspect that many believe hinders integration and adaptation.

Institutions such as a prominent trade union and various civil society groups backed the referendum, yet it lacked the necessary bipartisan support, reflected in the low turnout during the weekend following the close of public schools in many regions.

Activists like Fioralba Duma, representing Italians Without Citizenship, expressed disappointment over the turnout, describing the campaign as an uphill struggle. Notably, while the referendum did not pass, early results revealed that approximately 64% of those who did vote supported the proposed changes. Activists remain hopeful and committed to continuing their efforts in addressing the citizenship dialogue in Italy, viewing the referendum as merely a step in the larger fight for inclusion and integration.