Italy holds referendums on citizenship and workers' rights

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00:00One way to have a referendum in Italy is to organize a petition.

00:05If at least 500,000 people sign it, the vote can take place.

00:10That's what happened with Sunday's referendum.

00:13The issues, mainly an initiative that could make it easier to get the Italian citizenship,

00:19seemed so important to many that the petition got enough votes.

00:24Now, for the referendum to be validated,

00:27more than half of Italy's voters have to cast a ballot.

00:32That's why everyone's focus was on the turnout.

00:36I am hoping that many people will show up at this referendum.

00:39Whether they want to vote yes or no doesn't matter.

00:44What matters is that they show up and they take advantage of their right and privilege.

00:50The ruling coalition, which wants to limit immigration

00:54and therefore is opposed to the referendum, has called on its supporters to boycott the vote.

01:00Today, before being able to even ask for the Italian citizenship,

01:05foreigners have to live in the country for at least 10 consecutive years.

01:09The process can then last several years.

01:12The referendum suggests cutting that time in half like neighbouring France.

01:19I'm an almost 26-year-old Egyptian boy who left his home at 14,

01:24leaving his family, all of his affections, also my parents and my brother.

01:29Not having citizenship unfortunately prevents me from returning to my home without risking my life.

01:35It also does not allow me to fulfil my dreams.

01:40Getting the Italian citizenship allows people to work and travel far more easily and to vote.

01:47Roughly 10% of Italy's residents are foreign,

01:51and this leads to poor working conditions and to precarious.

01:54being able to work on things in Asia.

01:55An 정inionaire

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