Italians living overseas have responded strongly to offensive comments made during a recent YouTube broadcast. Massimo Romagnoli, head of Italians Abroad for Alternativa Popolare, defended the diaspora in a statement sent to journalist Fabio Dragoni.
Romagnoli stressed that Italians abroad are not a burden, but a vital resource for Italy. “Every year, Italians living overseas send and invest billions of euros in Italy. They buy Made-in-Italy products, promote Italian excellence internationally, and support domestic tourism,” he said. Many also build homes in Italy using earnings from abroad.
He highlighted the high educational levels of Italians abroad: over 90% speak at least two languages, and more than half speak three or more. “Living internationally gives them a unique understanding of foreign political, economic, and cultural systems,” Romagnoli added.
The statement also defended their constitutional right to vote. “Questioning this right undermines a fundamental principle of the Republic. Italians abroad do not ‘cause problems.’ They bring prestige, skills, and resources to Italy,” he said.
Romagnoli concluded with a call for a civil, fact-based debate about Italians overseas, emphasising the importance of respectful media coverage and political engagement.
The remarks come at a time when discussions over the role of the Italian diaspora in elections are intensifying, including in countries like Australia, where thousands of Italians contribute to both local and Italian cultural and economic life.
