The Italian Senate discussed this Wednesday (15) the Decree-Law 36 which changes the rules for the recognition of Italian citizenship by jus sanguinis — the right transmitted by blood to descendants of Italians.
The vote is scheduled for this Thursday (16), at 10 am in Rome (5 am in Brazil). The government has a large majority.
The measure, in force since March 28, has already been approved by the Constitutional Affairs Committee. To become definitive, it needs to be approved by both houses of Parliament by May 26. Otherwise, the decree will lose its validity.
The government argues that the rule aims to contain the growing number of citizenship applications made by descendants abroad, especially in Latin America.
Government base divided
Despite formal majority support, the League party — led by Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini — has expressed reservations. One of the three senators on the committee, Paolo Tosato, refused to vote on the text.
“I had already expressed doubts about the decree-law in the general discussion and expected them to be resolved later. Some of them were, but some of them were not. That is why I decided not to participate in today’s vote in the committee,” said Tosato.
Senator Daisy Pirovano, also from the League, argued that the issue should be addressed by a bill, not a decree, highlighting the importance of a broader debate.
Opposition talks about retroactivity and unconstitutionality
During the debate, the opposition came out strongly against the text. Senator Dafne Musolino (Italia Viva) declared that the decree represents a “false legality”.
She stated that the measure is a constitutional violation because it applies retroactive effects and compromises acquired rights. “Denying recognition of citizenship due to bureaucracy is absurd. This is not simplification, it is a denial of rights,” she criticized.
Senator Francesco Giacobbe (Democratic Party) also made a strong appeal:
“You are breaking the chain of citizenship. You are punishing those who acquired a second citizenship, something permitted by Law 91 of 1992. Now these people will no longer be able to pass it on to their children. It is an offense to our communities abroad.”
Giacobbe also warned of the future impact: “In a generation, there will no longer be Italians recognized in the world by descent.”
Both senators called for a broad discussion to create a new citizenship law that contemplates the jus sanguinis and other forms of access, such as ius soli (right by birth in Italian territory). “Being a citizen is not a crime to be fought, but a right to be protected,” said Giacobbe at the end of his speech.
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