Italy is cracking down on the use of English and other foreign languages in official communication. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy party has introduced a new law that proposes hefty fines of up to Euro 100,000 for using any foreign language, especially English, in official communication.
Politician Fabio Rampelli introduced the legislation in the Italian Chamber of Deputies, which was supported by the Prime Minister. The bill aims to combat "Anglomania," the use of English words that the draft states "demeans and mortifies" the Italian language. The draft also notes that it is even worse because the UK is no longer part of the EU.
The bill is not just about language fashion, as the draft bill states that Anglomania has repercussions for society as a whole. The legislation requires public officials to have written and oral knowledge and mastery of the Italian language, and it prohibits the use of English in official documentation, including job roles in companies operating in the country.
Foreign entities will have to have Italian langage editions of all internal regulations and employment contracts, according to a draft of the legislation seen by CNN. Article 2 would make Italian mandatory for the promotion and use of public goods and services in the national territory. Fines for not doing so could range from Euro 5,000 to Euro 100,000.
The bill still has to go through parliamentary debate, but if passed, it will have far-reaching consequences. It is important to note that the law does not ban the use of English or any other foreign language in daily life or informal settings
