Criticism of the Decree-Law No. 36/2025, which changes the rules for the recognition of Italian citizenship by descent, marked the final report of the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Italian Senate, this Wednesday (16). The vote on the amendments begins on April 23. The text should be taken to the Senate plenary between May 6 and 8.
The parties had until 17 pm this Wednesday, April 16, to present amendments to bill 1432, which converts the decree-law of March 28, 2025 into law.
The Democratic Party, for example, presented 42 amendments. The proposals are not limited to the right to blood (jus sanguinis), but also include changes in the ius soli, a principle that recognizes citizenship for those born in Italian territory.
The leader of the acronym, the senator Andrew Giorgis, criticized “yet another resort to the declaration of urgency on a complex issue such as the regulation of citizenship”, pointing out possible unconstitutionalities. For him, “it is true that it is necessary to combat the degenerations and unpraiseworthy practices that were described in the hearings, but at the same time we must not betray the expectations of the communities of Italians abroad who wish to be able to pass on citizenship to their descendants”.
The vice-president of the commission, Paul Tosato (League), argued that the majority should accept corrective proposals. According to him, “it is necessary to avoid abuses, but also to value the link with the Italian communities outside the country, which represent Italy in the world”.
The rapporteur of the text, Marco Lisei (Fratelli d'Italia, by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni), stated that “the decree is subject to improvement” and that there is a possibility of consensus on relevant points. He stressed that “it is possible to reach an agreement on one or two more significant issues, while still respecting the restrictive approach chosen by the government, to resolve the backlog of cases that has formed in municipalities, courts and consulates.”
The senator Peppe de Cristofaro (Mixed-AVS) recognized the growth in requests for Italian citizenship, especially in South America. However, he highlighted the need for a broader debate. According to him, “an in-depth debate would be necessary, without the time limits imposed by a decree that, by definition, introduces a serious precedent, having retroactive effects on a fundamental right such as citizenship”.
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