Citizenship reform: tensions in the government and doubts about the decree

The context of citizenship reform

The decree that reforms Italian citizenship, based on the principle of jus sanguinis, has come at a crucial moment. As the first vote in the Senate approaches, Matteo Salvini's Lega party has expressed strong reservations about the measure. These concerns are mainly related to the children of Italian emigrants abroad, who could suffer negative consequences due to the new rules.

The situation is further complicated by the position of Paolo Tosato, a member of the Lega Nord's Constitutional Affairs Committee, who decided not to participate in the vote in dissent from his party colleagues.

Divisions in the centre-right

The climate of uncertainty is palpable within the government coalition. Although the League has guaranteed its support for the decree, doubts persist. Even the Maie, the movement of Italians abroad, is against the measure, highlighting the divisions within the center-right. The citizenship issue is intertwined with the security decree, another controversial issue that has sparked tensions between the parties. The League, traditionally a supporter of more severe security measures, now finds itself having to deal with the reservations of the Quirinale and the opposition that criticizes the most controversial provisions.

Citizenship issues

One of the most controversial points of the decree concerns the limitation of the acquisition of Italian citizenship for the children of emigrants abroad. According to the new provisions, citizenship would be granted only to those with “exclusively” Italian ancestors and for a maximum of two generations. This measure excludes the possibility of dual citizenship, a condition that concerns the majority of Italians living abroad. Furthermore, an amendment proposed by Fratelli d'Italia, which required a certificate of knowledge of the Italian language to maintain citizenship, was rejected by the Ministry of Economy, highlighting further complications and costs for consulates.

Reactions and future prospects

Reactions to these measures have been strong and mixed. While some parties in the majority seek to speed up the legislative process, tensions between the different factions continue to grow. The Lega and Fratelli d’Italia appear to view each other with suspicion, while the government tries to maintain a united position. Citizenship reform, therefore, is not just a legislative issue, but a real political battlefield, with significant implications for Italians abroad and for the future of Italian migration policy.