Italy Chamber rejects constitutional challenges to citizenship reform

The Italian Chamber of Deputies has rejected constitutional challenges regarding a proposed law governing the acquisition and revocation of citizenship. The bill aims to strengthen the principle of legality and public security by making the rules for citizenship more rigorous.

Opposition members, including Alfonso Colucci of the Five Star Movement (M5S), criticized the proposal, arguing it creates “citizens of series A and series B.” Colucci claimed the law penalizes individuals born and raised in Italy who can only apply for citizenship at 18 and fails to account for personal rehabilitation following criminal offenses. He argued the text creates inequality between citizens by allowing for the revocation of acquired citizenship in ways that do not apply to those born Italian.

In contrast, Forza Italia deputy Andrea Gentile defended the reform, stating it balances integration with security. Gentile emphasized that while the party supports those who wish to integrate and work, it remains intransigent toward those who threaten public safety. He noted that the reform does not introduce foreign principles but rather makes existing disciplines regarding the revocation of citizenship more effective.