Over 51 Million Italians Vote on Citizenship, Labor Law Referendums

Italy is holding a nationwide referendum on labor laws and citizenship rules, with over 51 million voters called to decide on five questions. The labor-related referendums seek to repeal parts of the 2016 Jobs Act, restoring stronger protections against unjust dismissals, removing compensation caps for small businesses, clarifying fixed-term contract rules, and increasing employer liability for workplace accidents. The citizenship referendum proposes reducing the residency requirement for non-EU nationals to apply for Italian citizenship from ten to five years, a change supported by opposition parties but opposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government, which is urging abstention. Meloni has stated she will attend the polls but not vote, aiming to lower turnout below the required 50 percent quorum needed for the referendum results to be valid. Concerns about low voter turnout and political divisions dominate the discourse, with some accusing the government of suppressing debate and media coverage. Activists and some public figures are campaigning for the citizenship reform to better integrate Italy's foreign-born population and their children.