While waiting for the referendum, the 'Citizenship' decree approved in the Senate: oriundi betrayed by the government

“ Betrayal ” and “ disappointment ” are the most common feelings among Italian descendants in Argentina and Brazil , where the largest communities in the world live, in the face of the citizenship decree approved by the chamber of Palazzo Madama . A decree that in fact limits the possibility of reuniting with one’s roots. In Argentina , where there are 1.2 million registered consular records, estimates show that there is a potential of between 12 and 20 million descendants affected by the new provisions, while in Brazil it is recalled that there are 30 million of them with Italian origins, of which 20 million in the State of San Paolo alone. The provision “ deteriorates ties, because it limits the ius sanguinis only to children and grandchildren ,” explains to ANSA the president of the Committee of Italians Abroad (Comites) of Buenos Aires, Dario Signorini .

Disappointment prevails – it is explained – especially in light of the speech by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Teatro Coliseo , during her visit to Argentina last November, when she had asserted the role of Italians abroad, saying that they are authentic ambassadors of Italy . On that occasion she had stated that she “ wanted to make up for the period in which they had been neglected by previous governments ”. But those words – it is stated – “ are certainly not reflected in the citizenship decree ”. This law “ is a very sore point ”, comments the vice-president of the Comites of San Paolo, Matteo Arcari . “ There is a feeling of abandonment. The majority of those who live in Brazil descend from Italians who emigrated in the last century out of necessity. And although the great majority do not speak the language and have never been to Italy, there is an indescribable sense of belonging, thanks to the traditions and culture passed down from generation to generation ”.

On the other hand, an exploratory study conducted by Walther Bottaro , a university professor of business economics and a doctoral student at the University of São Paulo, reveals that the decree will also have an impact on the consumption of Made in Italy products by people of Italian origin. 70% of participants said that the measure will negatively influence their purchasing decisions: 37% intend to stop or almost stop, and 20% plan to halve their consumption. 87% say that the cultural and family bond with Italy strongly influences their consumption choices. But perhaps the most curious fact is that those who consume the most are also the most likely to react: among those who spend over 2,000 reais per month (about 333 euros), 55% want to stop or almost stop consuming Italian products.

“ The vote with which the Senate approved the 'citizenship decree' is very important. It is a measure intended to restore dignity and meaning to a right that must be based on an authentic bond with Italy, not only bureaucratic, but cultural, civic and identity-based. Citizenship must be a serious and conscious recognition, which is confirmed through commitment. This reform does not exclude, but rather makes responsible. It proposes more selective and transparent criteria, capable of strengthening the integrity of our system and preventing abuses .” This is what Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said after the Senate approved the decree.

FROM

Web Editorial Team