Mattarella: reconsideration on citizenship decree

The decree law on citizenship reform has created "attention" and also "bewilderment" among Italians abroad and it will be "useful" to follow the debate that will take place in the General Council of Italians Abroad, also in view of some "reconsideration". This was said by Head of State Sergio Mattarella meeting the General Council of Italians Abroad (Cgie) at the Quirinale. "The issue of the decree-law on the recent citizenship reform has aroused attention and debate in the communities of Italians: 'bewilderment' was what the secretary general defined it just now". The president emphasised: "It will certainly be useful - and to be followed attentively - the reflection that will be opened on the subject in your Council during this session, to encourage a thoughtful consideration - and possibly reconsideration - of the issues that have been opened".

"President Mattarella's words are perfectly in line with the government. If there are improvements to be made" on the citizenship law "they will be evaluated". So say Farnesina sources contacted by LaPresse after President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella's words on citizenship reform. The Ministry pointed out that the Head of State first countersigned the decree and then promulgated the law approved by Parliament, with the aim of combating irregularities and episodes of buying and selling citizenship in some South American countries.

"The history of Italian migration is an essential part of our national identity," recalled the Head of State. "From the great migrations following the Unification of Italy, to the numerous departures after World War II, generations of Italians have found better destinies outside our country, supporting, in a decisive way, its recovery and development with the substantial financial remittances of the last century. Their contribution, from a broader perspective, has also translated into the creation of valuable links between Italy and the host countries, links nourished by respect and admiration for what they have been able to achieve, and, moreover, in spreading the multiple expressions of our country's culture. Italian communities have been able to make Italy 'close' at all latitudes. Even in the most remote places, they have been authentic ambassadors of Italophony. They are an important element in the international policy of the Republic, affirming values such as dialogue, industriousness, hospitality and peace'.

"A fundamental role was played by women" emigrants, Mattarella recalled. "Ever since the first waves of migration, our compatriots have been the authentic custodians of language, culture and traditions, passing on values to the next generations and keeping the roots with Italy alive, even in difficult contexts. Pivotal to the family in every context. Educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, cultural workers: their presence has represented the backbone of our communities abroad, contributing decisively to their cohesion and, at the same time, to their integration in the host communities'.