Union Chief Criticizes Boycott Calls for Key Italian Referendums

Ancona: Maurizio Landini, the leader of Italy’s CGIL trade union confederation, voiced concerns on Tuesday regarding the ruling coalition politicians’ calls for citizens to abstain from voting in five impending referendums. The aim of the politicians is to prevent the referendums from reaching quorum, a tactic Landini considers perilous for democracy.

According to Ansa News Agency, the referendums aim to overturn several regulations, with four focusing on labor legislation, including three linked to the 2026 Jobs Act that liberalized the labor market. The fifth referendum addresses the eligibility criteria for non-EU citizens seeking Italian citizenship.

The CGIL has been actively campaigning for support on the labor-related referendums. Additionally, a positive outcome on the citizenship referendum will reduce the residency requirement for non-EU citizens applying for Italian citizenship from ten years to five.

Landini, speaking in Ancona during a port workers assembly, emphasized the danger and inappropriateness of encouraging voter abstention. He described such calls as a significant political error, particularly concerning institutional integrity. He referenced President Sergio Mattarella’s recent reminder about the importance of political participation and voting, underscoring their role as foundational elements of democracy and freedom. Landini urged citizens to engage in the voting process, stressing that the referendums offer an opportunity to enhance people’s rights.