The recent referendum in Italy, which sought to modify citizenship laws and improve workers’ rights, has been nullified due to a disappointing voter turnout of just 30%. The vote, which took place on June 8 and 9, needed more than 50% participation to be considered binding. Supporters of the changes viewed the low turnout as a significant setback, particularly given the government's apparent apathy towards the referendum process.
Italian Citizenship Reform Referendum Fails to Meet Threshold Amid Low Voter Turnout
Italian Citizenship Reform Referendum Fails to Meet Threshold Amid Low Voter Turnout
Italian referendum aimed at reforming citizenship rules declared invalid after only 30% turnout.
The initiative featured five different propositions, including a notable change that would reduce the residency requirement for citizenship applications from ten years to five years. Organized by a citizens' initiative and backed by various civil society and labor groups, the push for reform was met with challenges, particularly from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration, which had minimal engagement with the referendum campaign.
Regions such as Sicily and Calabria recorded participation rates as low as 22%, highlighting the difficulty in rallying voter enthusiasm, a challenge compounded by Meloni's public declaration of her intention to boycott the vote and her endorsement of the current citizenship laws. Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, made a point to visit a polling station without voting herself, reflecting her stance on the matter.
Polling expert Lorenzo Pregliasco remarked on the disappointing turnout, stating, "Whether just above 30% or just below 30%, this is a low figure, below expectations." The outcome has been described by opposition figures as a "deep and avoidable defeat," with Democratic Party member Pina Picierno expressing concern that failure to mobilize voters has benefitted Meloni and her party.
Calls have emerged for increasing the signature requirement needed to propose a referendum, currently set at half a million, as stakeholders criticize the waste of resources on unbinding votes. Historically, Italy has seen mixed success with referendums, with only about half attaining the necessary participation rate and having a lasting impact on legislation. The last binding referendum in Italy occurred in 2011, focusing on the privatization of water services.
Regions such as Sicily and Calabria recorded participation rates as low as 22%, highlighting the difficulty in rallying voter enthusiasm, a challenge compounded by Meloni's public declaration of her intention to boycott the vote and her endorsement of the current citizenship laws. Meloni, who leads the far-right Brothers of Italy party, made a point to visit a polling station without voting herself, reflecting her stance on the matter.
Polling expert Lorenzo Pregliasco remarked on the disappointing turnout, stating, "Whether just above 30% or just below 30%, this is a low figure, below expectations." The outcome has been described by opposition figures as a "deep and avoidable defeat," with Democratic Party member Pina Picierno expressing concern that failure to mobilize voters has benefitted Meloni and her party.
Calls have emerged for increasing the signature requirement needed to propose a referendum, currently set at half a million, as stakeholders criticize the waste of resources on unbinding votes. Historically, Italy has seen mixed success with referendums, with only about half attaining the necessary participation rate and having a lasting impact on legislation. The last binding referendum in Italy occurred in 2011, focusing on the privatization of water services.
