The support of Antonio TajaniTajani, leader of Forza Italia and Deputy Prime Minister of Italy, has expressed support for the reform of citizenship laws, which has had a major impact on the Italian government. Tajani has stated his support for the "ius scholae," a proposal that would grant Italian citizenship to children of foreign residents who complete their education in the country, generating significant tensions within the right-wing coalition governing Italy.
During a radio interview RTL 102.5, Tajani defended the change in legislation, emphasizing that Forza Italia, although loyal to its allies, does not accept being controlled by them. This defiant stance has created a rift between Forza Italia and the other parties in the coalition, especially conservatives such as Brothers of Italy and Lega, which have traditionally taken a hard line on immigration and citizenship.
Support for “ius scholae” represents a major break in the unity of the coalition, bringing Forza Italia closer to center-left parties that advocate a more inclusive approach.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy, is struggling to maintain cohesion among her allies, especially at a delicate political moment that includes the formulation of the next budget law and the appointment of a European commissioner.
Tensions in the coalition
Tajani's proposal to grant citizenship to children who complete compulsory education in Italy could benefit about a million of young people with foreign citizenship. However, this initiative was promptly rejected by the Lega leader and deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini, who declared that citizenship reform “is not a priority” and dismissed the proposal as an “idea exclusive to Forza Italia”.
While the likelihood of the reforms advancing in parliament is uncertain, Tajani’s stance is seen as a strategy to reinforce Forza Italia’s pro-European identity and attract moderate voters. By supporting the “ius scholae,” Tajani demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with other parties, including those on the center-left, distancing himself from the more radical policies of his coalition allies.
Tajani wants to change the rules of citizenship ius sanguinis
Tajani does not limit himself to the debate on “Ius Scholae”; he also proposes changes to “ius sanguinis”.
At the end of August, at an event in Brussels, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs made a statement that surprised Italians around the world, especially in Brazil, when he stated that it is necessary to “review the granting of citizenship by ius sanguinis”.
"We must be more stringent in granting citizenship by descent to those who, especially in Latin America, simply because they have an ancestor of Italian origin, request citizenship only to obtain a passport," he told reporters.
Detail: Tajani seems to be unaware of the difference between concession e reconhecimento of citizenship. It is worth remembering that all Italian consulates and embassies around the world are under its command.
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