Marisa Fois among the authors of the "Italians in the world" Report: "Tunisia and Sardinia united by a profound historical bond"

The appointment with the Report "Italians in the world" of the Migrantes Foundation (the pastoral body of the Italian Bishops' Conference) is back, now in its 17th edition and presented today in Rome.

An annual report that represents a window on the world of emigration and immigration, with different focuses thanks to the contributions of various scholars who deal with specific sectors. Among these is Marisa Fois, a Sardinian researcher at the University of Geneva .

In her essay she focused on Comites in Tunisia , within the general theme concerning the representation of Italians abroad , therefore the last electoral round of December 2021, the third time in which there was the vote for the Comites.

The Committees of Italians abroad represent our compatriots outside the territory: among their tasks, those of fostering relations with the reference communities, promoting initiatives that particularly involve young people, and that address equal opportunities, social assistance, vocational training. In Africa there are 7 Comites : in addition to Tunis there are those of Cairo, Addis Ababa, Capetown, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Nairobi.

"To be a Comites - explains Marisa Fois - at least 3 thousand Italians registered in AIRE must be present ". His contribution focuses on the new and old committees, therefore those elected from 2015 to 2021 and those from 2021.

"Tunisia represents a particular case because it is one of the countries that has reached, in terms of voting for the Committee, important percentages: out of about 5 thousand entitled parties, 776 have signed up".

How does the vote work?

“Since 2015, what is called a reversal of the vote has been introduced. To express your choice, it is no longer sufficient to be registered in the Registry of Italians abroad, but you have to ask to be included in the roll of voters, and this has heavily influenced the turnout. And you have to go to the consulate on the day of the election, for Tunisia there is no postal vote ”.

How many Italians are there in Tunisia today?

“In January 2022, 6,860 Italians were registered, including 2,878 women. Worldwide, it is a country that ranks eighth in terms of turnout ”.

How did the vote go?

“12 candidates were elected, therefore Italians living in Tunisia. There were so many difficulties because the electoral campaign took place largely during the pandemic, and this means promoting programs and lists through the internet, it is not easy to explain one's goals on social networks or with live broadcasts on digital platforms ".

Who are the new migrants who make Tunisia a land of arrival and not of departure?

“The new generation pensioners, or social security migrants. These are over 65s who choose to live in a foreign country both to enjoy tax breaks and to enjoy a lower cost of living ”.

Sardinians too?

“Of course, but that of the Sardinians is a historical presence, which dates back to the advent of the Maritime Republics and then went on at different rates. There are many studies that have analyzed the arrival of Sardinians in Tunisia and North Africa, for example in many cases they were miners looking for higher wages ”.

All in order with the documents?

"Not everyone, there were also those who arrived thanks to a 'passage' on fishing boats, along with those who instead had a job and were registered in the various consulates".

Returning to the Comites, what exactly do they do?

“They are the link between the Italian community, the consulate and Italy. The new representatives - the youngest from 1980, the oldest from 1950, with an average age of around 60 - have created work commissions engaged in various sectors ranging from communication and information to Italian school and culture. , from social policies to entrepreneurship, embracing all sectors of the community to a bit ”.

Is there any talk of Italian integration in Tunisia?

“Above all of great respect for the Italians and for their work. On the other side of the Mediterranean there is a reality made up of our compatriots who often act as intermediaries between 'our own' and Tunisian entrepreneurs and continue to promote and preserve the Italian spirit. Values, traditions, which have also materialized in the creation of real Italian neighborhoods. Cohabitations that give added value and not represent an element of conflict ".