Monocle on Sunday Italy’s referendum, Norway’s headlines and the global stories of the week
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Jun 8, 2025 Isabel Hilton, an expert on geopolitics and climate change, teams up with David Bodanis, a historian and leadership commentator, to discuss Italy's upcoming citizenship referendum and its implications for immigration and economic support. Ed Stocker, reporting from Milan, highlights Italy's low voter turnout and governmental indifference, while Lars Bevanger shares insights on Norway’s football revival after a thrilling match against Italy and the quirky sport of 'death diving.' Politics, culture, and international relations are engagingly unpacked throughout the conversation.
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Italy's Citizenship Referendum Challenge
- Italy is facing a controversial referendum on reducing citizenship residency from 10 to 5 years.
- The government discourages voting, making the required turnout quorum the biggest hurdle.
Europe's Immigration Paradox
- Many European countries have declining birth rates and aging populations complicating immigration policies.
- Political resistance to immigration overlooks crucial labor needs and socio-economic realities.
London's Diverse Yet Fragile
- David Bodanis shares how London's diversity contrasts with challenges of multicultural cities historically.
- He notes the risk of tribal conflicts but hopes London defies this trend.