Argentinian President Javier Milei and his sister Karina have been granted Italian citizenship based on their heritage, a move fast-tracked by the Italian government, according to ANSA. The decision has sparked backlash in Italy, with critics calling it unfair compared to the lengthy and bureaucratic process faced by many Italians and residents seeking citizenship.

Opposition lawmaker Riccardo Magi from the +Europa party criticized the move as discriminatory, pointing out that millions of Italians born and raised in the country must navigate extensive hurdles to obtain citizenship. Italian law currently requires foreigners to reside in Italy for 10 years before applying, and even children born to foreign parents must wait until they turn 18.

Advocacy groups like Oxfam Italia have called for shorter waiting periods, similar to those in other EU countries, but Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government opposes such reforms. Meloni, who shares ideological similarities with Milei, has formed a close relationship with the libertarian leader. During Milei’s visit to Italy, he attended the right-wing Atreju Festival and received a symbolic figurine of himself wielding a chainsaw, referencing his campaign promise to cut government spending.

Milei joins former President Mauricio Macri as the second Argentinian leader to hold dual Italian citizenship.