The Italian government granted citizenship to Argentinian President Javier Milei due to his Italian ancestry, according to a source. The confirmation followed earlier media reports on Friday.
Milei is currently in Rome for a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and to attend the annual festival of her Brothers of Italy party on Saturday. The source declined to provide further details about the decision.
The announcement has triggered significant backlash from some politicians and social media users, criticising the ease with which Milei was granted citizenship compared to the challenges faced by children of migrants born in Italy.
Under Italy’s citizenship laws, those with Italian blood ties—regardless of how distant—can apply for an Italian passport. However, the process is far more stringent for foreigners born in Italy or those who migrate there. Pro-migrant groups have proposed a referendum to ease these requirements. Forza Italia, part of the ruling right-wing coalition, introduced a citizenship bill in October to reduce the time for migrant children to obtain citizenship to 10 years.
Riccardo Magi, a lawmaker from the opposition More Europa party, condemned the move as an act of “intolerable discrimination against so many young people who will only get citizenship after many years.”
This is not the first time Milei has highlighted his connection to Italy. During a trip to the country in February, he expressed his deep ties to his Italian heritage, saying he felt “75% Italian” as three of his grandparents were Italian and spoke of his passion for Italian opera.
Milei, a libertarian, and Meloni, a conservative, have forged a close political bond. Their rapport was evident during Meloni’s visit to Buenos Aires last month when Milei presented her with a statuette of himself holding his trademark chainsaw.
