Italy referendum on citizenship reform for immigrants and Muslims fails

ROME (MNTV) – A referendum to relax Italy’s restrictive citizenship laws, with significant implications for Muslims and other immigrants, failed to pass despite a majority voting in favor. 

The effort was invalidated as voter turnout fell short of the required 50% threshold, with only 30% of eligible voters participating in this week’s polls.

The proposed reform aimed to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU migrants from 10 years to 5 years, aligning with policies in countries like France and Germany. 

It also sought to address the challenges faced by Italy’s nearly 4 million non-EU migrants and their families, including second-generation immigrants born in the country.

Currently, second-generation migrants cannot apply for citizenship until they turn 18 unless their parents are already citizens. This delay often leaves many, including Muslims, unable to fully integrate or access rights. 

For other non-EU residents, the application process can take up to 13 years due to lengthy residency requirements and bureaucratic hurdles.

Despite failing to meet the quorum, Interior Ministry data revealed that 65% of those who voted supported the reform. 

However, far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her coalition government criticized the referendum, with Meloni abstaining and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini celebrating the low turnout. 

“Citizenship is not a gift,” Salvini declared.

The setback also highlights challenges faced by Italy’s estimated 1.5 million Muslims. 

Islam is not officially recognized as a religion in Italy, leaving Muslims without access to public funding for religious institutions and unable to observe religious holidays legally. 

Human rights activists warn that this lack of recognition perpetuates exclusion.

Advocates for reform, including Italians Without Citizenship, vowed to continue pushing for change.