Italian Citizenship for Argentina’s President Javier Milei Draws Backlash

Italy grants citizenship to Javier Milei and his sister based on ancestry, prompting criticism over inequities in naturalization laws.

Argentina’s President Javier Milei and his sister, Karina Milei, were granted Italian citizenship during Milei’s visit to Rome, citing their Italian ancestry under 'ius sanguinis' laws.
The expedited process contrasts with Italy’s stringent requirements for children born in Italy to migrant parents, who must wait until adulthood to apply for citizenship.
Opposition lawmaker Riccardo Magi labeled the decision 'intolerable discrimination,' highlighting the struggles faced by long-term residents seeking citizenship.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, which opposes easing citizenship laws, facilitated the fast-tracking of the Milei siblings’ applications.
The decision underscores the close political and ideological ties between Meloni and Milei, who attended a festival organized by Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party.