In Italy, where immigrants account for 10% of the population, a two-day referendum held over the weekend aimed to decide whether to relax rules for non-EU residents applying for citizenship. However, due to pressure from Prime Minister Meloni's government against the referendum, the voter turnout fell short of the majority required, making the referendum invalid.

On the same day the results were announced, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen convened a meeting of far-right figures from across Europe, harshly criticizing the EU and its immigration policies, vowing to participate in the presidential election in two years to reclaim power.

Despite sunny weather, voter turnout was disappointingly low. Italian voter Faendo expressed hope that more people would participate in voting, emphasizing that the act of voting was more important than the outcome.

The largest labor union in Italy, the Italian Labour Federation, proposed modifications to four labor rights laws and aimed to reduce the residency period for non-EU residents to acquire citizenship from ten years to five. If passed, 2.5 million residents could benefit, including young individuals born in Italy to non-EU parents.

However, the increasingly vocal far-right sentiment in Italy, led by the anti-immigration Meloni and her Brothers of Italy party, played a significant role in suppressing voter turnout through discouragement tactics. As a result, the national voting rate was only 15.9% as of 5 PM on Sunday, failing to meet the required threshold.

Le Pen, who faces legal issues including a conviction related to misappropriating EU funding, pledged to fight against unregulated immigration. Whether she will participate in the upcoming presidential election remains uncertain; if unable, younger leaders may continue her agenda.