Meloni defends current citizenship law and rules out immediate reform

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday (9) that the current legislation on citizenship in Italy is “great” and that her government does not intend to reform it at the moment. The statement was made during a press conference in Rome, in response to questions about the recognition of citizenship for immigrants and descendants of Italians.

Meloni highlighted that the government program is “extensive” and that she does not consider it appropriate to include new agendas in this context. On the subject, she reiterated that Italy is already one of the European countries that grants the most citizenships, especially to minors.

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The prime minister also criticized proposals such as the jus scholae, which would allow citizenship to be granted to children of immigrants after ten years of uninterrupted residence and completion of the school cycle.

According to Meloni, these changes could cause problems, especially in cases where parents return to their countries of origin. “A minor’s citizenship is usually linked to that of his or her family. In countries where dual citizenship is not allowed, this could make the young person a foreigner in his or her parents’ country of origin,” he explained.

Adjustment of ci ratesdadania

The Italian government recently approved changes to the Budget Law that impact applications for recognition of citizenship by right of blood (jus sanguinis). The fee for legal proceedings increased from 545 euros to 600 euros per applicant. At consulates, the amount charged increased from 300 to 600 euros.

Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani's proposal, which suggests restricting jus sanguinis to descendants of Italians born outside Italy, would not affect ongoing cases.

On the other hand, it would facilitate citizenship for foreigners born in Italy or who arrived before the age of five, as long as they reside for a decade and complete school. Tajani called this system Italian law, highlighting the focus on educational and social integration.

Watch Meloni's full response: