A referendum aimed at easing citizenship requirements and strengthening job protections in Italy has failed after voter turnout fell far short of the required threshold, preliminary data showed Monday.
The vote, backed by trade unions and opposition parties, needed at least 50% plus one of eligible voters to participate to be legally binding. However, only around 30% cast ballots, according to polling agency YouTrend.
The referendum included five questions—four focused on labor reforms and one on citizenship rules. The labor proposals sought to reverse parts of a 2016 law that loosened job protections, including measures to limit short-term contracts and expand employer liability for workplace accidents.
The citizenship question proposed reducing the residency requirement for non-EU nationals to apply for Italian citizenship from 10 years to five. Had it passed, an estimated 2.5 million long-term residents could have become eligible.
The ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, opposed the referendum, with some officials urging voters to boycott it. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement, supported the measures, framing them as a challenge to Meloni’s government.
Early results showed strong support among those who voted—about 85% backed the labor proposals, while 60% approved the citizenship change. However, with turnout too low, the results are non-binding.
Far-right leaders celebrated the outcome. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini vowed to push for stricter citizenship rules, declaring, “Citizenship is not a gift.” Meanwhile, union leaders and activists expressed disappointment but pledged to continue advocating for reform.
The referendum coincided with local elections in several regions, though the national debate remained muted, with limited media coverage. Analysts attributed the low turnout to both political boycotts and a lack of public awareness.
The final results, including votes from Italians abroad, are expected soon, but the outcome is unlikely to change. The failure marks a setback for Italy’s opposition and a victory for Meloni’s government, which has taken a hard line on immigration and labor policies.