Italians are voting over two days on referendums concerning easier citizenship for children born in Italy to foreigners and increased job protections. Low public awareness and projected low turnout (around 35% of 50 million electors) risk invalidating the vote, as a 50% plus one turnout is required. Premier Giorgia Meloni's stance of not casting a ballot has drawn criticism.
Italians vote on citizenship and job protections, but low turnout risks invalidation
EuropeItalyGiorgia MeloniReferendumsVoting rightsGlobal electionsVotingLorenzo PregliascoSocietyMichelle NgonmoPoliticsEuropean Union
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Italians are voting over two days on referendums concerning easier citizenship for children born in Italy to foreigners and increased job protections. Low public awareness and projected low turnout (around 35% of 50 million electors) risk invalidating the vote, as a 50% plus one turnout is required. Premier Giorgia Meloni's stance of not casting a ballot has drawn criticism.
Trending- 1 A decade ago: Previous labor law passed by a center-left government.
- 2 2022: Center-right coalition won the general election.
- 3 Mid-May: Opinion polls published showing low awareness of referendums.
- 4 May: Italy’s AGCOM lodged a complaint against broadcasters for lack of coverage.
- 5 Starting Sunday: Italians vote on referendums over two days.
- Risk of vote invalidation due to low turnout
- Potential for easier citizenship and stronger job protections if passed
- Ongoing debate about democratic participation and immigrant rights in Italy
What: Referendums in Italy on citizenship law reform (reducing residency requirement for children of foreigners from 10 to 5 years) and labor reforms (making it harder to fire workers, increasing compensation for laid-off workers, restoring joint liability for workplace injuries).
When: Starting Sunday (voting over two days); a decade ago (previous labor law passed); mid-May (opinion polls published); 2022 (general election).
Where: Italy, Rome (AP dateline).
Why: To promote social integration for second-generation Italians; to improve workers' rights and security; to address issues of discrimination and exploitation faced by foreigners.
How: Public referendums requiring a 50% plus one turnout for validity; campaigning by activists and opposition parties; criticism of government for dampening interest and lack of public debate.