The discussion about a possible change in the rules of Italian citizenship has gained significant momentum. The governor of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia, entered the debate on the recognition of Italian citizenship for descendants.
Veneto, which is the main region of origin of the large Italian immigration to Brazil, has been the focus of many requests for citizenship by blood right, or jus sanguinis.
In controversial statements released by Vista news agency, this Friday (20), he questioned the ease with which citizenship is “granted” to the so-called “oriund”, who seek recognition of Italian nationality by right of blood, or jus sanguinis.
“If the descendants of Italians are only interested in taking advantage of the jus sanguinis "To guarantee our passports and our citizenship, which is not just any citizenship, I don't agree with granting it so easily," Zaia stated, emphasizing that he himself has roots outside of Italy.And this is said by someone whose grandfather was born in Brazil."
The governor highlighted the impact these requests have on citizenship records (anagraphs), overwhelmed by the volume of requests, especially in smaller cities in Veneto.
Zaia did not completely oppose the right of descendants to obtain citizenship, but he stressed that there needs to be a greater commitment to the culture and life in the country. “If someone really chooses to be an Italian citizen — learning our language, getting to know our country and perhaps even having the intention of living here — then, in that case, and with these minimum requirements, I would have nothing against it,” the governor clarified.
Zaia joins Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, who also criticized the use of Italian citizenship by Brazilians, claiming that "they just want Italian citizenship to have a strong passport".
The debate over restricting or modifying the rules for granting Italian citizenship is a sensitive issue and divides Italian politics.
For figures like Zaia and Tajani, stricter control over who can obtain citizenship is needed, while others, like Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, see the jus sanguinis as a way to strengthen ties between Italy and its descendants around the world.
See Luca Zaia's controversial statement:
