Referendum on Italian citizenship: opposition already fears lack of quorum

The organizing committee for the referendum on Italian citizenship by naturalization met in Rome on Tuesday (11) to launch the campaign.

The meeting was attended by associations, unions and opposition leaders. The objective is to mobilize voters to reach the quorum necessary to validate the popular consultation.

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Quorum challenge

The consultation will take place in the spring – the Government’s hypothesis is that the referendum will take place on June 8 and 9, after the municipal elections –, but the low voter turnout is worrying.

To be validated, the referendum needs the participation of at least 23 million voters.

The optimism comes from the large number of signatures collected: 637.487 signatures were presented to the Constitutional Court.

If approved, the referendum would reduce to five years the period required for children of foreigners born or raised in Italy to obtain citizenship.

The issue is of no interest to Giorgia Meloni’s government. Despite the opposing position of the majority, Forza Italia – by Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister – presented the “Ius Italiae” project, generating tensions with allies.

Support from the left

Most opposition parties support the "Yea", with the exception of Carlo Calenda's Action party, which criticized the proposal. The secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, MP Angelo Bonelli (Green Europe) and Riccardo Magi (+Europe), among others, were present. In a video message, Emma Bonino warned of the importance of reaching the quorum.

Elly Schlein stressed the urgency of the change: “This referendum is a first step towards correcting a historical injustice. Reducing the time for citizenship means aligning ourselves with other countries.” Pippo Civati ​​also criticized the government, saying that “it is unpatriotic to deny rights to new citizens.”

ADVERTISING

🔴 Supreme Court • May 2026

Standing in line at the consulate doesn't erase your right to citizenship.

The Italian Supreme Court has confirmed that a consular blockade is legal grounds for legal action.

• Were you unable to schedule an appointment at the consulate?
• Is the process stalled or poorly managed?
• Maternal lineage?
• Incomplete documentation?

See if there is still a solution.

Opposition leaders fear that the government majority will try to silence the debate. “Referendums often fail due to a lack of information,” said Magi. He advocates regulating communication spaces to ensure visibility for the campaign.