The centre-right Forza Italia leader has reignited political debate by supporting "ius scholae," which would allow children of residents to acquire Italian citizenship after completing formal education in the country.
ADVERTISEMENTItaly's deputy prime minister and the leader of Forza Italia, Antonio Tajani, has sparked political debate by supporting the introduction of "ius scholae" — the principle that grants Italian citizenship to children of foreign residents who complete their education in Italy.
Speaking on radio station RTL 102.5, Tajani insisted that Forza Italia, the centre-right party founded by Silvio Berlusconi, remains loyal to its coalition allies and voters but emphasised his party's independence: "We are not a single party, and no one can give us orders."
The move distances him from his partners in the country's governing right-wing coalition, positioning Forza Italia closer to opposition parties who reject hardline positions on immigration.
Tajani’s comments have caused concern for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is keen to maintain coalition unity amid challenging political times, including the appointment of an Italian European commissioner and the upcoming budget law.
Instead, Tajani has underlined the ideological division between the ruling coalition's three parties, Forza Italia, the far-right Brothers of Italy, and another far-right party, Lega, who all sit in three different groups in the European Parliament.
Back to school
Italy's current citizenship law, dating back to 1992, is based on the principle of ius sanguinis, or "right of blood", under which citizenship is granted by virtue of descent.
For those not born to Italian parents, naturalisation is a complex and lengthy process requiring 10 years of continuous residency.
Tajani’s position is to simplify this by granting citizenship to all children who complete compulsory education in Italy, which spans ages 6 to 16.
This change could eventually benefit nearly a million children with foreign citizenship who attend Italian schools.
Tajani has criticised the existing ius sanguinis rule, noting that it often results in people applying for Italian citizenship merely to obtain a passport, not out of any genuine connection to Italy.
He highlighted data showing that around 40,000 descendants of Italian emigres, mainly from Central and South America, acquire Italian citizenship each year despite not residing in Italy.
Tajani’s stance has not been received warmly on all sides.
His joint Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the hard-right Lega, immediately rejected any changes to the citizenship law, stating that it is "not a priority" and dismissing it as a "Forza Italia's own idea that will remain so".
Meloni has remained silent on the issue, instead focusing on her government’s broader agenda.
The Forza Italia strategy
Regardless of the likelihood of any legislative success when parliament reconvenes on 10 September, Tajani’s position is considered part of a broader Forza Italia strategy to assert its pro-European stance and appeal to moderate voters, thus boosting its influence within the government.
ADVERTISEMENTBy voicing support for ius scholae, an issue unpopular with other right-wing leaders, Tajani is signalling Forza Italia’s readiness to collaborate across party lines, even with the left, echoing its approach in the European Parliament.
Tajani has been candid about his strategy: "I believe that everything we do helps the centre-right. My goal is to keep winning and occupy the spaces that are left vacant today, the space between Giorgia Meloni and (Democratic Party leader) Elly Schlein."
This manoeuvre follows the European elections, where Forza Italia unexpectedly outperformed Lega, further distinguishing itself within the coalition.
Forza Italia’s support for ius scholae aligns with that of its coalition partner Maurizio Lupi of Noi Moderati, a small centrist party.
ADVERTISEMENTHowever, Lega remains firmly opposed to any citizenship reform, arguing that Italy already grants more citizenships than any other EU country.
The Brothers of Italy's position is less clear: while Meloni has refrained from recent comments, her party has suggested that citizenship reform is not a government priority.
In contrast, opposition parties are united in their support for reforming Italy's citizenship laws, though they differ on the specifics.
The centre-left Democratic Party (PD) and the Green Left Alliance favour ius soli, which would grant citizenship based on birth within Italy.
ADVERTISEMENTHowever, both parties would also accept a more moderate reform, such as ius scholae, which is similarly supported by the 5-Star Movement, although they oppose ius soli.
Leaders of Azione and Italia Viva, Carlo Calenda and Matteo Renzi, respectively, have also voiced support for reforming the citizenship law, linking it to educational attainment.