Left-wing parties decry the lack of public debate on move to speed up naturalisation of immigrants.

For decades, the state has been tightening its rules so that fewer and fewer are eligible. This is a chance for Italians to change the narrative, writes Jamie Mackay

A referendum on Sunday and Monday will give Italians the chance to loosen citizenship laws for immigrants. But it is not clear enough voters will turn out.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is strongly against the proposal and has urged people to abstain.

Parties denounce lack of public debate on move to make it easier for Italian-born children of foreigners to be citizens

The changes would make it easier for children born in Italy to foreigners to obtain citizenship and provide more job protections.

Left-wing parties decry the lack of public debate on move to speed up naturalisation of immigrants.

Ossia quelle che potrebbero chiederla subito se vincesse il “Sì“: dove vivono, che lavori fanno, e quali sono le difficoltà nella loro vita quotidiana?

ROME: Italians headed to the polls Monday on the second and final day of referendums that would make it easier for children born in Italy to foreigners to obtain citizenship, and…

Less than a third of eligible voters turned out for a poll that would have made it easier for foreigners to become citizens, and strengthened labor rights.

Only about 30% of Italians cast a vote - well below the 50% threshold needed to make a poll binding.

PM Meloni said she would not vote, and opposition accuses government of dampening interest in immigrant, worker issues.