ROME — Italian citizens will have the opportunity to vote in a series of important referendums this weekend concerning fundamental issues of labour rights and citizenship.

However, projections indicate that turnout may fall below the critical threshold of 50%, which poses significant risks of invalidating the votes altogether.

This referendum weekend includes five distinct questions, primarily focused on labour laws, including provisions related to the reinstatement of unfairly dismissed workers, the removal of compensation caps for small firms, the curtailment of fixed-term contract abuses, and the restoration of joint liability for workplace injuries.

The fifth question, concerning immigration, seeks to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU citizens applying for Italian citizenship from ten years to five years, aligning Italy more closely with other European nations such as France and Germany.

Recent polling data from mid-May indicates a concerning lack of public awareness about the referendums.

According to a survey conducted by Demopolis, only 46% of respondents were aware of the forthcoming votes, while Ipsos recorded a slightly higher figure of 62%.

However, voter engagement projections tell a more troubling story; a mere 30% of Demopolis respondents planned to participate, with Ipsos reporting only 28% certain to cast a ballot.

In light of the low public visibility, Italy’s communications authority (AGCOM) issued a formal warning to RAI and other media outlets on May 13 for insufficient and biased coverage of the referendums, emphasizing the need for increased public awareness.

The referendums have also been criticized for their technical nature, which lacks the emotive resonance seen in previous landmark votes on issues such as divorce or nuclear energy.

The focus on intricate legislative details may further hinder the electorate's engagement with the process.

Adding to the difficulties is the Italian government's stance on the referendums.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, leading a right-wing coalition, has notably encouraged abstention rather than advocating for a clear 'No' vote.

On June 2, Meloni stated her intention to visit her polling station while refraining from collecting her ballot paper, a move that is classified as abstention and does not count towards voter turnout.

Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani characterized this approach as “political abstentionism,” suggesting that those opposing the measures are not obligated to increase turnout.

This strategy has garnered criticism from opposition parties and supporters of the referendums, who assert that it undermines democratic principles and stifles necessary debate on issues crucial to workers' rights and immigration policy.

In response, various opposition groups, including the Five Star Movement, have intensified their campaigns to boost awareness and support for the referendums.

The Five Star Movement has adopted a neutral stance on the citizenship issue, allowing its supporters to chart their own course.

As the weekend approaches, the primary focus is on voter participation rather than the outcomes of the referendums themselves.

If turnout remains insufficient, the votes may ultimately be rendered moot before any counting process even commences.