The referendum of June 9, 2025 in Milan, relating to naturalization measures and labor law, highlights deep issues linked to national identity, immigration and workers’ rights in Italy. The preliminary results, revealing a participation of less than 30 % of voters, raise questions about the current political dynamics and the state of democracy in Italy.
### An aborted referendum: context and issues
The referendum was aimed at modifying the duration of residence required to obtain Italian nationality for non-European residents, as well as to abolish certain laws of liberalization of the labor market. NGOs and opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and the CGIL, the main union, had argued in favor of these changes. The initiatives were going beyond the simple legislative measures: they touched the themes of integration and the rights of workers, crucial in an increasingly diverse society.
The government’s response, led by Giorgia Meloni and her party, Fratelli d’Italia, was marked by an appeal to abstention. This strategic choice, suggesting that the absence of voters could neutralize the referendum, raises questions on civic engagement and the appropriation of public debate. Can political leaders contribute to creating a climate where citizens feel concerned by these issues, or are they fueling a dynamic of exclusion?
### The impact of electoral participation
The low participation highlights an increasing dissonance between the aspirations of citizens and the actions of their representatives. This raises the question of why so many Italians have chosen not to go to the polls. This can be interpreted as disenchantment in the face of the political process, disillusionment as to the effectiveness of referendums, or even a feeling of disconnection between the reality of voters and the concerns put forward by the political elites. Each factor deserves to be considered in order to identify avenues of democratic revitalization.
### The implications for the Meloni government
Giovanbattista Fazzolari, the Prime Minister’s right -hand man, interpreted these results as a reinforcement of the government. However, this deserves a nuanced analysis. If the absence of participation can give the illusion of support, it could also hide a disturbing indifference or a rejection of the policies in place. The question arises: can a government really feel reinforced by passive abstention, when this phenomenon could translate discontent in the face of decisions perceived as self-centered?
### Prospects on immigration and the labor market
The proposals rejected by the referendum would have relaxed the process of acquiring nationality and reintroduces workers’ protections. In a global economic context where precariousness is an increasing issue, these subjects should be at the heart of political debates. What alternatives are there to reconcile a responsible immigration policy and the protection of workers? How can the government and the opposition parties collaborate to build a shared vision that meets citizens’ expectations?
### to an inclusive future
The attitude of the government with regard to these questions has deep repercussions on Italy and its evolving multicultural society. While economic and socio -political tensions are likely to grow, it is imperative to promote constructive conversation. The rulers should commit to include all voices in the decision -making process, in order to build an Italy where everyone feels represented and where public policies meet the needs of all citizens.
The result of the referendum can be perceived as an alarm signal on the need to restore a significant dialogue around migration and work issues. Inaction or silence in the face of these questions can only increase existing fractures. Addressing these challenges with empathy and pragmatism could offer avenues to a more cooperative and inclusive future, both within political bodies and with citizens themselves.
In conclusion, the referendum of June 9, 2025 represents not only a reflection of political choices in terms of immigration and work, but also an appeal to collective responsibility to feed a living and receptive democracy to the evolutions of a changing society. Lessons learned from this experience could inspire future commitments to improve participation and representativeness within the Italian political system.