On June 2nd, Italy celebrates Republic Day (‘Festa della Repubblica‘), marking the anniversary of the emblematic 1946 referendum in which the majority of Italians voted for a republic instead of a monarchy.
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni took part in the official commemoration at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Rome this morning, and then oversaw the military parade held at the Imperial Fora in the Italian capital on the occasion of the holiday. According to Il Giornale, she was greeted with applause and cheering by the crowds in attendance.
In earlier remarks posted social media, the prime minister noted that the memorial day serves to “remind” the Italians who they are: a “proud nation capable of rising even after the toughest challenges.” She also expressed gratitude to all those who “sacrificed their lives” for the homeland.
When asked by journalist whether she would be voting in the upcoming referendum to be held on June 8th and 9th on five issues, including lowering the required period of legal residence in Italy before applying for Italian citizenship to 5 from 10 years, Meloni said she would go to the polls but would “not pick up the ballot.”
The leaders of the Italian centre-right parties have announced they would not vote in the referendum, sending the message to their voters to likewise abstain, in a push to make the referendum, the part of which on citizenship was initiated by the Italian Left, invalid.
