In 2025, Italy will experience a worsening demographic winter. According to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat), the country registered around 13 thousand fewer births between January and July, compared to the same period in 2024. The fertility rate fell to 1,13 children per woman — the lowest rate in Italian history.
At the same time, the government led by Giorgia Meloni, Antonio Tajani, and Matteo Salvini approved a reform to the citizenship law that toughens recognition for more distant generations, such as great-grandchildren. The measure was described by sociologist Daniel Taddone, a graduate of the University of São Paulo (USP), as a negative milestone in Italy's relationship with its descendants.
"The decree of shame, as I promptly labeled it when he left, (…) would go down in history as the infamous relationship between Italy and its diaspora,” he said in an interview with Italianismo this Wednesday (22).
“Italy, as a society, is literally lost”
For Taddone, the current situation is no surprise. "Another piece of news that comes as no surprise to anyone, because this trend has been worsening year after year."
The sociologist sees the demographic crisis as part of a broader paralysis:
“Italy, as a society, is literally lost, not knowing what to do.”
“There is inertia, there is a stagnation of creativity, and I believe Italy is particularly affected by this.”
Between 2018 and 2023, the country lost about a million residents. "We don't necessarily speak a million Italians, we speak a million residents."
According to him, “Italy is exposed to a cycle of aging that compromises its economic and social sustainability.”
“A reform based on revenge and envy”
Taddone asserts that the new citizenship law not only breaks with the diaspora, but was built on misguided political motivations. "A reform of the citizenship law based on revenge, envy, and xenophobia."
And the Italian chancellor points directly to it: “In the speeches of Minister Antonio Tajani, who is the great promoter and catalyst of decree of shame, these elements are clearly visible.”
“Italy never wanted to bet on its diaspora”
The sociologist laments that the country does not recognize the strength of its community abroad. “Italy never wanted to think of its large diaspora as a possibility for the future”.
In the interview, he mentions well-educated young Italians as potential allies of Italian renewal. "Naturally, young Italians, when they see a society that is also hostile to their presence, end up seeking other paths."
"Today, many Italians abroad feel rejected. They feel that Italy has simply turned its back."
And now?
Taddone places his hope in the Italian justice system. "We'll see how it improves in the future, because that will also depend heavily on the decisions of the higher courts."
And concludes: "My expectations are positive. I believe the law is on our side. On a scale of 0 to 10, I'd say an 8."
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