Voters to Decide on June 8–9: Shorter Citizenship Wait and New Labor Protections

by Adriana ruiz

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On Sunday, June 8, and Monday, June 9, 2025, Italian citizens eligible to vote will be called to the polls for a major referendum on five key issues affecting labor rights and citizenship. These abrogative referendums (under Article 75 of the Italian Constitution) allow voters to decide whether to repeal existing laws or specific legal provisions.

Among the five questions, one stands out for its significance to over 2.5 million foreign residents in Italy: the referendum on citizenship. It aims to reduce the minimum required years of legal residence for non-EU adults to apply for Italian citizenship—from the current 10 years to just 5.

What Are Italians Voting On?

The five referendum questions fall under two broad categories:

1. Labor Rights (4 Referendums)

• End to unfair dismissals: Proposes the repeal of parts of the Jobs Act, which limits the right of reinstatement for workers fired without just cause.

• Greater protection for workers in small businesses: Aims to remove the cap on severance compensation for unjust dismissal in companies with fewer than 16 employees.

• Fight against precarious contracts: Seeks to reinstate stricter rules on fixed-term contracts to reduce short-term employment and promote job stability.

• Improved workplace safety: Proposes expanding the liability of principal contractors in case of worksite injuries involving subcontractors, to strengthen prevention and accountability.

2. Citizenship Reform (1 Referendum)

• A faster path to citizenship: This referendum proposes cutting the legal residency requirement from 10 years to 5 for adult non-EU citizens applying for Italian citizenship. The change would modify Article 9 of Law 91/1992, bringing the law back in line with its original version from 1865 and aligning Italy with more inclusive practices already adopted by many other European countries.

Focus: Citizenship in Italy – What Would Change?

Currently, foreign nationals who are not of EU origin must legally reside in Italy for at least 10 continuous years before they are eligible to apply for Italian citizenship through naturalization. The upcoming referendum seeks to halve this period to 5 years, potentially unlocking a faster, more accessible pathway to integration for many long-term residents.

This reform does not alter the other existing requirements for naturalization, which include:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the Italian language (at least B1 level),

• Adequate and stable income,

• No criminal record,

• Compliance with tax obligations,

• No security risks to the state.

If the citizenship referendum passes, it would mark a major shift in Italy’s approach to integration and recognition of long-term foreign residents. The change would especially benefit those who have been living, working, studying, and contributing to Italian society for years without full access to civic participation and national rights.

Why It Matters

Advocates of the reform argue that shortening the required residency period is a long-overdue step toward inclusion and equality. Many foreign nationals in Italy build their lives here, raise families, pay taxes, and send their children to Italian schools. Allowing them to become citizens sooner would promote greater social cohesion and civic involvement.

Opponents may argue that 10 years ensures sufficient time to integrate and contribute to the country, and that any reduction might undermine the value of Italian nationality. However, proponents emphasize that the strict screening process will remain intact, preserving national security and social standards.

Voting Process and Participation

Polling stations will be open:

• Sunday, June 8: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Monday, June 9: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

All Italian citizens aged 18 or older and registered to vote can participate. Voters will receive five separate ballots, one for each referendum question. For a referendum to pass, a majority of valid votes is required, along with a minimum voter turnout of 50%.

Italians living abroad (registered with AIRE – Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all’Estero) will vote by mail. Ballots will be sent out by May 21, and must be returned to the local consulate by June 5 to be counted. It is recommended that voters abroad mail their completed ballots as early as possible to avoid delays and ensure their vote is received on time.

The referendum campaign has gained significant traction, with over 4 million signatures collected for the labor-related questions and 637,000 signatures for the citizenship referendum.

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