Italian citizenship referendum polarises country
Summary
Italy is holding a referendum to decide if the time required to apply for Italian citizenship should be shortened from 10 years to 5 years. This change would affect long-term foreign residents, but the Prime Minister and some allied parties are not supporting the vote. The referendum's success depends on at least half of the voters participating.Key Facts
- The referendum proposes reducing the time required to apply for Italian citizenship from 10 years to 5 years.
- The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and her allies are not supporting the referendum and suggest that people avoid voting.
- The change would apply only to long-term foreign residents who are already living and working in Italy.
- Up to 1.4 million individuals could become eligible for citizenship immediately if the referendum passes.
- The referendum requires more than 50% voter turnout to be valid.
- Currently, Italian citizenship applicants must meet strict criteria, including language proficiency and no criminal charges.
- Non-citizens like Sonny Olumati face challenges, such as limited job opportunities and difficulty obtaining public services.
- The aim of the referendum is to align Italy's citizenship process with that of other European countries.
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