The proposal presented by MAIE (Associative Movement Italiani all'Estero)On Wednesday (19), reforming the Italian citizenship law stipulates that great-grandchildren and subsequent generations can only obtain recognition if they present Italian language proficiency certificate, level B1.
One detail, however, stands out: according to the OECD, More than a third of adult Italians are functionally illiterate. and would have real difficulty overcoming a test of that level. The data was published by the newspaper la Repubblica.
While the political movement suggests demanding linguistic rigor from descendants scattered around the world, the data shows that a large part of the population in Italy itself would not be able to demonstrate equivalent proficiency.
What does the MAIE proposal say?
The text presented by Congressman Franco Tirelli confirms:
- Direct citizenship for children and grandchildren of Italians
- B1 certificate requirement for great-grandchildren and subsequent generations.
- Mandatory validation of linguistic and cultural ties with Italy.
- Broader recovery of jus sanguinis after the Meloni government reform.
The rationale: to strengthen ties with the country and combat the "loss of Italian identity" both inside and outside of Italy.
But… what do the numbers say about the level of Italian in Italy?
The OECD's Survey of Adult Skills, published in 2024, is crystal clear:
- 35% of Italian adults have a literacy level equal to or below level 1.
- In other words, one third do not understand simple texts well, even though they know how to read and write.
- 10% are even below that level, understanding only basic phrases.
- Only 5% reach high levels (4-5), capable of understanding complex texts.
- In mathematics, the scenario is the same: 35% do not advance beyond level 1.
- In international rankings, Italy is among the least industrialized countries.
In a proficiency test equivalent to B1 (reading, comprehension, interpretation, text production), most adults in Italy would have significant difficulty.
In the south, where the rates are even worse, the situation is described as "dramatic." The OECD points to "loss of skills with age" and low levels, especially among the 55-65 age group.
To demand what not everyone in Italy can achieve?
The irony is unavoidable: the Italian state would demand from great-grandchildren born in Brazil, Argentina, or the USA a level of Italian that a large portion of those born and raised in Italy itself do not possess.
B1 is the same level required for:
- naturalization through marriage
- access to certain public competitions
- administrative proof of language proficiency
It's an intermediate level, which involves:
- understanding continuous texts
- produce articulate messages
- interpret instructions
- understand detailed descriptions
It's not a simple test. And, according to the OECD, a significant portion of the current Italian population does not fully demonstrate these skills.
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