President Javier Milei of Argentina recently attended a conservative party festival hosted by Giorgia Meloni at Rome's Circus Maximus, where he was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd and festive decorations.
During his visit, Mr. Milei was granted Italian citizenship based on his ancestry, as confirmed by Italy's foreign ministry. This decision has drawn criticism from some Italian lawmakers who argue that the citizenship law unfairly favors individuals with distant Italian roots while denying citizenship to children of immigrants born in Italy.
Critics, including liberal opposition lawmaker Riccardo Magi, expressed frustration, stating that granting citizenship to Mr. Milei undermines the rights of those born and raised in Italy who have long awaited citizenship. Unlike the United States, Italy does not automatically confer citizenship to children born within its borders.
Despite proposals for a referendum to amend the citizenship law, Meloni's government has resisted changes. Recent updates to the law have made it more challenging to obtain citizenship through lineage.
Due to a significant emigration wave in the late 19th century, many individuals in the Americas, particularly in Argentina, have acquired Italian citizenship through their ancestry. Approximately 900,000 Italian citizens reside in Argentina, with many seeking dual citizenship as a means to escape economic difficulties.
Mr. Milei has often expressed pride in his Italian heritage, highlighting the immigration story of his grandparents. However, he has not publicly clarified his reasons for seeking citizenship in another country as a head of state. His office did not respond to inquiries for further comment.
In previous interviews, Mr. Milei has emphasized his passion for Italian culture, particularly opera, and has described himself as having "75 percent Italian blood." He is known for enjoying opera while engaging in political discussions.
Mr. Milei is not the first Argentine president to hold dual citizenship; his predecessor, Mauricio Macri, also possessed an Italian passport due to his father's Italian roots.
Despite ideological differences, Mr. Milei and Ms. Meloni have strengthened their political ties, with Mr. Milei aiming to connect with other right-wing leaders globally. Their recent discussions included a focus on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in combating transnational organized crime and expanding Italy's economic presence in Argentina.
Ms. Meloni highlighted their shared views on law enforcement, private property, and opposition to excessive bureaucracy, as well as their mutual resistance to welfare payments, emphasizing work as the primary means to combat poverty.