Italy Grants Citizenship to Argentine President, Sparking Public Outrage

3 months ago 82

December 15, 2024 | 05:01 pm

Argentine President Javier Milei.

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Italian government has granted Argentine President Javier Milei citizenship based on his Italian heritage, Italian news agency ANSA reported, sparking outrage across the country.

Milei's sister, Karina, also received citizenship, ANSA reported on Saturday, saying the application was processed quickly by Rome.

Riccardo Magi, a lawmaker from the opposition +Europa party, condemned the decision, calling it "intolerable discrimination" against young Italians who will face years of bureaucratic red tape to obtain citizenship.

"Millions of Italians who were born in Italy, raised here, who studied, worked and paid taxes in this country - unlike President Milei - will face an arduous journey to obtain citizenship," Magi said in a video posted on social media.

Current law requires foreigners to have lived in Italy for 10 years before applying for citizenship. Even children born in Italy to foreign parents must wait until they are 18 to apply.

Charities such as Oxfam Italia have pushed for a reduction in the waiting period to align with other European Union countries, such as France and Germany. But the government of right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly opposed the change.

Meloni met Milei during a state visit on Friday. The 54-year-old Argentine libertarian leader also joined Meloni at the Atreju Festival, a right-wing youth event in Rome organized by his Brothers of Italy party.

The two leaders have formed a strong bond over their ideological similarities.

Last month, Meloni gave Milei a statue of himself holding a chainsaw, a nod to his 2023 campaign. It has become a symbol of Milei wielding a chainsaw, signaling his intention to reduce the size of government.

Milei is not the first Argentine president to hold dual Italian citizenship. Mauricio Macri, who served as Argentina’s president from 2015 to 2019, also holds an Italian passport.

Editor's Choice: 10 New Year's Traditions Around the World, Would You Embrace Any?

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News



10 New Year's Traditions Around the World, Would You Embrace Any?

2 hari lalu

10 New Year's Traditions Around the World, Would You Embrace Any?

As the year nears its end, let's take a look at these New Year traditions from around the world that remind us of the universal joy.


South Korean Opposition Plans to Impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, How?

4 hari lalu

South Korean Opposition Plans to Impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, How?

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol continues to attract public attention after announcing a military emergency.


Three Causes of the Downfall of Syrian President Bashar al Assad

5 hari lalu

Three Causes of the Downfall of Syrian President Bashar al Assad

Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad, was overthrown by rebel forces in less than two weeks. What caused it?


What is Happening in Syria? How did Bashar al Assad Fall?

6 hari lalu

What is Happening in Syria? How did Bashar al Assad Fall?

On Sunday, opposition forces declared Syria had been liberated from the rule of President Bashar al Assad as opposition forces stormed the capital.


South Korea Ex-Defense Minister Arrested over President Yoon's Martial Law

7 hari lalu

South Korea Ex-Defense Minister Arrested over President Yoon's Martial Law

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's former defense minister was arrested over his role in Yoon's declaration of martial law last week.


Yoon Suk Yeol, His Profile and Series of Controversies that Reduced His Popularity

11 hari lalu

Yoon Suk Yeol, His Profile and Series of Controversies that Reduced His Popularity

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares a martal law, a move considered wrong by his own party.


South Korean Citizens Demand Arrest of President After Declaring Martial Law

11 hari lalu

South Korean Citizens Demand Arrest of President After Declaring Martial Law

Hundreds of South Korean citizens, who protested the martial law, demanded the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the parliament building.


10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2024: Family Hotspots

11 hari lalu

10 Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2024: Family Hotspots

With carols playing in the background, families gather to find the best Christmas markets in Europe in 2024. Enrich your itinerary here.


Unveiling the Richest Person in Italy 2024; Here's the Top 10 List

16 hari lalu

Unveiling the Richest Person in Italy 2024; Here's the Top 10 List

There are currently 73 billionaires in Italy as of March 2024, but who is the wealthiest? Read on to find who the richest person in Italy is.


Italy Questions Legality of Netanyahu Arrest Warrant by ICC

18 hari lalu

Italy Questions Legality of Netanyahu Arrest Warrant by ICC

Italy says there are 'many doubts' about ICC's arrest warrant against Netanyahu.


Read Entire Article
Pemilu | Tempo | |