Polls Open for Referendum on Citizenship and Labor Laws in Italy
Polls opened in Italy on Sunday for a two-day referendum that could change citizenship law and labor laws. The vote, triggered by an NGO-led grassroots campaign, aims to make it easier for children born in Italy to foreigners to obtain citizenship and provide more job protections. However, partial data shows a low turnout, risking invalidation of the vote.
Italians began voting on Sunday in a referendum on easing citizenship rules and strengthening labor laws, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government opposed to both issues and urging abstention. More than 213,500 people recently acquired Italian citizenship, with campaigners arguing that changing the citizenship law will help second-generation Italians integrate better into society.
The referendum, scheduled for June 8-9, 2025, includes key issues affecting labor rights and citizenship. Italian citizens will decide whether to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU nationals to apply for Italian citizenship.