italy-grants-citizenship-to-argentine-president-javier-milei

The Italian government has granted citizenship to Argentine President Javier Milei, acknowledging his Italian heritage through his grandparents, who migrated to Argentina.

 

This decision has stirred significant controversy, particularly in Argentina, where critics argue that it highlights an inconsistency in Italy’s citizenship policy.

 

Milei’s Italian roots were recognised by the Italian foreign ministry, which cited his ancestral ties as the basis for granting him citizenship.

 

However, this move has sparked a heated debate, with opponents questioning the fairness of a law that grants citizenship to descendants of Italians, while denying it to children of immigrants born in Italy. 

 

These critics argue that such a policy is inequitable, as it favours individuals with distant family connections over those who were born or have lived in Italy for years.

 

Riccardo Magi, a liberal opposition lawmaker in Italy, voiced strong disapproval of the decision, labelling it a “slap in the face” to those who were born in Italy or have lived there permanently, and have been waiting for citizenship for years.

 

Magi took to social media to express his frustration, pointing out the inconsistency in Italy’s citizenship system, where the children of immigrants often struggle to obtain citizenship, while others with ancestral ties to Italy are granted it easily.

 

Unlike many other countries, Italy does not automatically grant citizenship to children born on its soil. The country’s law is based on jure sanguinis, meaning citizenship is passed down through bloodlines rather than place of birth.

 

This approach has led to growing frustration, particularly among children of immigrants who are born and raised in Italy but still face difficulties obtaining citizenship.

 

Although liberal forces have called for a referendum to change this law, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has resisted such changes. Instead, Italy has recently updated its interpretation of the citizenship law, making it more difficult to claim citizenship based solely on ancestral connections.

 

The citizenship decision came at a time of growing diplomatic relations between Italy and Argentina. Just days before the announcement, President Milei met with Prime Minister Meloni in Italy.

 

The two leaders discussed several matters aimed at strengthening their bilateral relationship, including an Action Plan for 2025-2030 that will focus on deepening cooperation across a range of sectors, from economic to judicial.

 

The discussions also emphasised the importance of judicial and security cooperation, particularly in addressing transnational organised crime. Both leaders expressed a shared desire to expand Italy’s economic and commercial presence in Argentina, with particular interest in the energy and high-value sectors.

 

The meeting underscored the growing collaboration between the two nations and highlighted Italy’s strategic interest in increasing its influence in Argentina’s economy.

 

During their meeting, Meloni and Milei reiterated their commitment to concluding the 2025-2030 Action Plan, which aims to enhance cooperation between their countries in areas such as trade, security, and energy.

 

Meloni also expressed Italy’s interest in expanding its commercial footprint in Argentina, emphasising the opportunities in the energy and high-value sectors, areas where Italy hopes to increase its investments.