Italy’s Zangrillo Sparks Debate: “Stop Renewing ID Cards for Over-70s” in Bold Simplification Push
ROME – In a move aimed at easing bureaucratic burdens on Italy’s elderly, Public Administration Minister Paolo Zangrillo announced on November 12, 2025, that citizens over 70 will no longer need to renew their identity cards, calling it a key step to “make life easier.” The proposal, part of an upcoming simplification decree, could spare millions of seniors from mandatory paperwork, but it has already ignited mixed reactions over security and equity concerns.
Speaking on Giornale Radio’s “Next Economy” program, Zangrillo laid out the government’s plan: “In the next few days a new simplification decree will arrive in Parliament, which among other things provides for the abolition of the renewal of identity cards for the over-70s, with the aim of making life easier for citizens.” The decree, set for parliamentary review imminently, builds on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration’s broader push to streamline public services since Zangrillo took office in October 2022.
The Policy at a Glance: What Changes for Seniors?
Under current Italian rules, electronic identity cards (CIE) must be renewed based on age: every 10 years for those under 50, five years for ages 50-70, and potentially every three years for over-70s in some cases, though many hold 10-year cards that still require updates for security features. Zangrillo’s reform would make cards for those 70 and older valid indefinitely, eliminating the need for in-person renewals at municipal offices—a process that often involves long waits, photo updates, and fees up to €22.
The minister framed it as a targeted relief measure amid Italy’s aging population crisis: Nearly 15 million Italians (24% of the total) are over 65, with projections hitting 30% by 2050, per ISTAT data. “This is about dignity and efficiency,” Zangrillo emphasized, noting that over-70s already face exemptions from other admin tasks like jury duty. Implementation details remain pending, but the decree could roll out by early 2026, with transitional provisions for expiring cards.
| Aspect | Current Rules (Pre-Decree) | Proposed Changes (Post-Decree) |
|---|---|---|
| Validity for Over-70s | 5-10 years, renewable with photo/ID update | Indefinite—no renewal required |
| Process | In-person at municipality; €16.79 base fee + €5.20 stamp | N/A—existing cards remain valid forever |
| Exceptions | Loss/theft/damage still requires replacement | Same, but no routine renewals |
| Security Features | Must update for new chips/biometrics periodically | Grandfathered; potential opt-in upgrades |
This isn’t isolated: The decree bundles other “citizen-friendly” tweaks, like digital school enrollments and streamlined pharmacy prescriptions, signaling a tech-forward overhaul of Italy’s notoriously paper-heavy bureaucracy.
Background: Zangrillo’s Role in Meloni’s Reform Agenda
Paolo Zangrillo, 63, a Genoa-born surgeon-turned-politician from Forza Italia, has helmed the Public Administration Ministry since Meloni’s right-wing coalition took power in 2022. A brother to prominent COVID-era doctor Alberto Zangrillo, he’s championed digitalization, including the 2024 rollout of the SPID electronic ID system that now serves 35 million users. Critics, however, point to slow progress: Italy ranks 25th in the EU’s Digital Economy Index, lagging behind Estonia’s e-gov model.
The ID reform echoes similar exemptions elsewhere—Germany offers lifetime cards for over-75s, while France caps renewals at 15 years for seniors—but Italy’s version targets a demographic strained by post-pandemic isolation and mobility issues. Advocacy groups like Auser (over-55s association) hailed it as “a long-overdue win,” estimating it could save seniors €50 million annually in fees and travel.
Early Reactions: Praise, Privacy Worries, and Political Spin
As news broke midday Tuesday, responses flooded Italian media and social channels. Supporters, including pensioner unions, celebrated it as empathetic governance: “Finally, less hassle for nonna’s passport to heaven,” quipped one viral Facebook post from the Italian Seniors Federation, garnering 2,000 likes in hours.
Skeptics, however, raised red flags on security. Privacy expert Prof. Giovanni Buttarelli (former EU data protection supervisor) warned in a Rai News interview: “Lifetime cards risk outdated biometrics in an era of deepfakes—voluntary updates should be mandatory for high-risk services like banking.” Opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Party echoed this, calling it “hasty” without pilot testing, potentially clashing with EU GDPR standards.
On X (formerly Twitter), #ZangrilloID trended briefly in Italy with 1,500 mentions by evening, mixing memes of relieved grandparents (“No more queue nightmares!”) with jabs at government priorities (“Fix healthcare first?”). Forza Italia MPs defended it as “pro-family populism,” tying it to Meloni’s natalist policies.
For everyday Italians, the impact is immediate and personal: Over-70s, who make up 14% of voters, often juggle renewals with doctor’s visits amid strained public transport. Economically, it trims municipal workloads—Italy’s 7,900 communes process 4 million ID renewals yearly—freeing resources for digital upgrades. Globally, it positions Italy as a senior-friendly innovator, appealing to expat retirees in the U.S. or UK who hold dual citizenship.
As Parliament gears up, amendments could refine opt-out clauses or tie it to voluntary digital wallets. For now, Zangrillo’s quote encapsulates the decree’s ethos: Bureaucracy should serve people, not snare them. Watch for votes next week—this could be the first domino in a wider admin thaw.
By Sam Michael
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