Italian Citizenship Referendum Sparks Debate

A national referendum is underway in Italy, proposing to reduce the time required for immigrants to apply for Italian citizenship from 10 years to five. The referendum, initiated by a citizens’ initiative, aims to bring Italy in line with most European countries. However, the country’s hard-right Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has announced she will boycott the vote, declaring the current citizenship law “excellent” and “very open.”

Sonny Olumati, a 39-year-old dancer and activist born in Rome to Nigerian parents, has been campaigning for a “Yes” vote. Without citizenship, Sonny is not entitled to vote, despite living in Italy his entire life. “I’ve been born here. I will live here. I will die here,” he says. “But not having citizenship is like… being rejected from your country. And I don’t think this is a feeling we should have.”

The referendum’s impact would be significant, potentially affecting up to 1.4 million people who could qualify for citizenship immediately. Carla Taibi of the liberal party More Europe explains that the reform would change the perception of long-term foreign residents, making them feel less like strangers and more like Italians. “These people live in Italy, study and work and contribute. This is about changing the perception of them so they are not strangers anymore – but Italian,” she argues.

However, not everyone agrees with the proposal. Roberto Vannacci, a far-right politician and coalition partner to Meloni, accuses those behind the referendum of “selling off our citizenship and erasing our identity.” Sonny believes that the government’s reluctance to support the referendum is rooted in racism. “We have ministers who talk about white supremacy – racial replacement of Italy… They don’t want black immigration and we know it,” he says, referencing a 2023 comment by the agriculture minister.

Insaf Dimassi, a 33-year-old PhD student, defines herself as “Italian without citizenship.” She was born in Italy to immigrant parents and has lived there most of her life. “Italy let me grow up and become the person I am today, so not being seen as a citizen is extremely painful and frustrating,” she explains. Insaf’s experience highlights the complexities of Italy’s citizenship system, where those born in the country to foreign parents face significant barriers to obtaining citizenship.

The referendum’s outcome is uncertain, with a 50% turnout threshold required for validity. Despite the challenges, Sonny remains determined to continue advocating for change. “Even if they vote ‘No’, we will stay here – and think about the next step,” he says. “We have to start to talk about the place of our community in this country.”