The Foreign Desk Explainer 471: Who gets to be an Italian citizen?
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Jun 11, 2025 A recent referendum in Italy sparked debates about who truly qualifies for citizenship. Historical roots trace back to Cicero, revealing how thoughts on nationality have evolved. Low voter turnout raises questions about public engagement and the value of citizenship. The experiences of athletes highlight the complexities surrounding residency requirements for non-EU foreigners, showcasing the differences between Italy and other nations. This discussion looks at the intersection of identity, rights, and personal stories in the quest for belonging.
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Low Voter Turnout in Citizenship Referendum
- Italy's recent referendum on easing citizenship access failed due to low voter turnout under 30%.
- Democracy zeal seems low, questioning engagement with citizenship issues.
Proposed Citizenship Residency Reduction
- Proposed referendum aimed to halve residency from 10 to 5 years for citizenship application.
- 11% of Italian school students are foreign nationals, highlighting demographic changes.
Volleyball Stars Highlight Citizenship Struggles
- Italy's Olympic gold in women's volleyball spotlighted citizenship issues through star players of foreign descent.
- Paola Egonu and Miriam Silla struggled to get citizenship despite being Italian-born and raised.