The director of ANCI Veneto, Carlo Rapicavoli, reported that he has been receiving insults and threats for months because of his statements regarding the weight of applications for Italian citizenship by descent.
ANCI is the entity that represents all the municipalities in Italy, in this case, in Veneto.
The attack occurs mainly on social media and is attributed to groups in Brazil and other South American countries who fear losing their right to recognition after the Tajani decree.
Rapicavoli stated, to Corriere della Sera, who no longer reads the messages sent, because the volume and tone have exceeded any limit of dialogue.
The director explained that his criticism is not directed at the descendants, but at the system that overburdens the municipalities of Veneto.
The region attracts a large influx of interested parties and, before the Tajani Decree, became a target for agencies offering complete packages, from documents to temporary accommodation. According to him, this model placed unsustainable pressure on local offices, which lack the personnel, technology, or legal support to manage thousands of cases.
In recent years, recognition by descent has gained momentum due to fears of changes in the law. The pandemic intensified the demand and fueled specialized businesses.
Rapicavoli pointed out that many applicants leave the municipality soon after obtaining their Italian passport. When they are called to vote, they cannot be found. This increases the administrative burden and compromises the internal functioning of the municipalities.
The situation is aggravated by the impact of those registered with AIRE (Italian State Registration Office). In several small municipalities, the number of Italians living abroad exceeds that of local residents. The presence of these voters influences the electoral quorum and opens the door to distortions in representation. The government adopted a temporary measure that excludes inactive registrants from the calculation. Rapicavoli argues that the rule should be permanent.
The director assessed the Tajani decree as an initial but insufficient step. The 1992 law remains focused on ancestry and does not consider genuine ties to the country. He cited difficulties in verifying documents and warned of cases of forgery. According to him, municipalities continue to lack technical support while facing thousands of accumulated requests.
The legal risk has increased. after the conviction of the municipality of CastagnaroIn Verona, the city hall was forced to pay one hundred euros per day of delay in registering certificates. Rapicavoli stated that this scenario could be repeated in other cities in Veneto, because the number of applications is high and the employees cannot meet the demand.
For him, the solution lies in clarity and resources. Municipalities need autonomy, trained personnel, and digital tools. Rapicavoli stated that the return of those wishing to reintegrate into the Italian community is positive, but warned of the increase in abuses and artificial residencies. According to him, without adjustments, the principle of jus sanguinis could turn into a bureaucratic machine that threatens the credibility of the State.
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