The Italian government has granted Argentine President Javier Milei citizenship based on his Italian heritage, igniting widespread outrage across the country. This decision, reported by various media outlets, has raised serious questions about the fairness of Italy's citizenship laws.
According to Italian news agency ANSA, Milei's application was processed swiftly, allowing not only the president but also his sister, Karina Milei, to obtain citizenship during his recent state visit to Italy. The grant of citizenship, rooted in his bloodline as his grandparents emigrated from Italy, has been sharply criticized by opposition lawmakers, particularly Riccardo Magi from the +Europa party.
Magi voiced his discontent, labeling the citizenship grant as “intolerable discrimination” against young Italians, who face long waits and extensive bureaucratic obstacles to gain citizenship. He pointed out, “Millions of Italians who were born in Italy, raised here, who studied, worked, and paid taxes in this country - unlike President Milei - will face an arduous and lengthy bureaucratic process to obtain citizenship.” This statement encapsulates the frustration felt by many who have lived their entire lives in Italy but remain without citizenship.
The criticism also stems from the broader Italian citizenship laws, which many argue are outdated and discriminatory. Current law stipulates foreigners must reside in Italy for ten years before they are eligible to apply for citizenship, and even children born to foreign parents must wait until they turn 18 to submit their applications. The disparity between separate treatment for those with distant Italian ancestry and those who actively contribute to Italian society stirs discontent among the populace, especially among the younger generation.
Alongside Milei, his sister Karina also gained dual citizenship during their time at the Atreju Festival, attended by Italy's right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This event not only symbolizes the alliance between the two leaders but highlights the ideological affinities they share. At the festival, Milei expressed camaraderie, saying, “More than among friends, I feel like I am with family.”
The newfound citizenship for Milei is not unprecedented. Former Argentine president Mauricio Macri also held dual Italian citizenship, showcasing the historical connections between the two countries. Nevertheless, the timing of Milei’s citizenship grant coincides with upcoming changes to the citizenship application process expected to complicate matters for others. Officials indicated new regulations will increase application costs and make it even more arduous for non-Italians to gain citizenship through ancestry.
Reacting to Milei’s citizenship, Magi criticized the decision on social media, stating, “Granting the Italian citizenship to President Milei is yet another slap in the face to boys and girls who were born here or live here permanently and have been waiting for citizenship for years and years, sometimes without any results.” Contrast this with Milei's minimal ties to Italy, and it creates stark contradictions within Italy's approach to citizenship.
Italy’s citizenship laws do not automatically confer citizenship to children born within its borders, setting it apart from many other nations, including the United States. This has led to calls for reforms from liberal groups who seek to change the laws governing citizenship, particularly to assist those already living within Italy, including immigrants’ children.
Even as critics voice their concerns, Meloni's conservative administration has resisted efforts to reform these laws. The Prime Minister met with Milei during the visit, emphasizing the importance of strengthening Italy’s partnership with Argentina. They had discussions aimed at finalizing a 2025-2030 Action Plan, focusing on collaboration across various sectors such as security and trade.
Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed her commitment to deepening ties, sharing on X, “A few weeks after my visit to Argentina, I received the President of the Argentine Republic, @JMilei today at Palazzo Chigi… to deepen cooperation between the two Nations.” This highlights not just the political partnership but also suggests potential economic collaboration, interested particularly in energy and high-value sectors.
The outcry over this citizenship grant points to broader issues of equality and representation within Italy’s immigration and citizenship framework. Critics argue it is time for the Italian government to examine and genuinely reform its laws to meet the needs of all those who wish to contribute to the nation, irrespective of their ancestral roots.
Milei's case serves as both a point of contention and as lenses through which to view the Italian literary-social-political climate, where long-standing familial ties can yield swift citizenship, highlighting contradictions within legislative practices. Without doubt, this decision will continue to incite debates about legal reforms and how Italy manages its multifaceted relationship with its immigrant communities moving forward.
