The Italian government's new decree on citizenship has sparked a strong reaction from Ricardo Merlo, president of the Italiani all'Estero Associative Movement (MAY), an Italian political party founded in Argentina.
In an interview with the portal Italy Chiama ItalyMerlo described the measure as a "direct attack on the principle of jus sanguinis," which guarantees the right to Italian citizenship by descent.
“This decree, as it stands, creates a precedent and paves the way to easy citizenship for non-EU immigrants in Italy and their children,” he said. For Merlo, the most paradoxical thing is the support of parties traditionally opposed to the ius soli. “The party of former minister Tremaglia and the League are also carrying out this political action. It’s all very strange.”
According to the text unanimously approved by the Council of Ministers, citizenship by descent will be limited to two generations and will depend on birth on Italian soil. For Merlo, this represents an unprecedented rupture. “Whoever has Italian blood is Italian. This has always been the fundamental principle of our legislation. With this decree, this ceases to exist.”
Merlo harshly criticized the political conduct of the proposal. “It was a hasty measure, made without due debate. They did not consult Parliament, nor elected representatives abroad. The CGIE, which should be the link between the government and the Italian community in the world, was also ignored.”
For him, the decision to include birth in Italy as a criterion represents a structural change. “For the first time, birth is introduced as a requirement. This did not exist before. The principle was clear: citizenship is transmitted by blood, not by territory. Now, we are seeing a movement towards ius soli disguised, or as you prefer to call it, ius italiae. "
The president of MAIE also questions the origin of the proposal: “This decree was not born out of politics, it was born out of bureaucracy. And part of the politics just ratified it. This is even more worrying.”
Merlo also criticized Minister Antonio Tajani, who was responsible for the text. “I believe that Tajani is being poorly advised, including in terms of communication. He speaks offensively about Italians abroad. He could use other, less harsh terms.”
The politician emphasizes that, if approved without changes, the decree could have irreversible effects. “This text, if it becomes law, will end Italianness in the world in a few generations. It will harm the Made in Italy, return tourism, the spread of the Italian language. Just to name a few direct impacts.”
MAIE is already working in Parliament to try to block the progress of the decree.
“We have submitted amendments that aim to exclude from the text the requirement of birth in Italy. Citizenship must be transmitted regardless of the place of birth of the child or grandchild. If Parliament does not listen to us, we will go to court. This decree is full of unconstitutionalities.”
For Merlo, citizenship is an essential part of the Italian identity spread throughout the world. “They can change the laws, they can erase generations, but they will not erase our history. They will not take away our identity. No one can take that away from us.”
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