Tension between FdI and the League over family reunification for qualified immigrants

New tension between Fratelli d'Italia and the Lega in the Chamber over the latest decree-law on justice and immigration. On Wednesday in the Justice Committee, deputies from the Carroccio refused to vote on an amendment from the Meloni supporters that expands the possibility of family reunification for qualified non-EU workers.

The provision, particularly disliked by the Lega members, allows managers, university professors, researchers, and other categories of specialized employees to request family reunification without waiting two years of residence. The Lega had presented three amendments with the opposite aim of tightening the rules. The committee group leader, Ingrid Bisa, announced an abstention from the vote, risking the proposal's failure, which nonetheless passed with the support of the rest of the majority.

The rebellion is not over: the Lega has expressed its intention to vote on its own anti-reunification amendments next week, despite the government's negative opinion. To avoid incidents, the three proposals have been temporarily set aside. Many other amendments, including one from Forza Italia on the powers of the Minister of Justice, were declared inadmissible.

The clash stems from the latest decree-law on justice and immigration, approved by the Council of Ministers at the end of September 2026. The Meloni government, formed by Brothers of Italy, the League, and Forza Italia, is grappling with internal tensions over migration policies, a historically divisive issue among the allies. The League has always advocated for stricter lines, while FdI, despite generally conservative positions, has shown pragmatic openness to attract skilled labor.

The contested provision extends to non-EU skilled workers a facilitation already in place for holders of international protection, eliminating the two-year waiting period for family reunification. This measure is part of a broader strategy to address shortages in the Italian labor market in specialized sectors. The League views this opening as a concession on migration control principles.

The current situation reflects a fracture within the governing majority that goes beyond this single amendment. The League has decided to openly challenge the government's line in the Commission, an unusual move that risks undermining the coalition's cohesion. The upcoming votes this week will be a crucial test for the alliance's stability on a politically sensitive issue.