Italy Proposes Fine for Use of English and Foreign Words

Italy's far-right Brothers of Italy party has proposed a law that would impose a fine of up to €100,000 on the use of foreign words that have Italian translations in official and public-facing communications. The proposal echoes laws put in place by the fascist regime in 1923 to preserve and protect the Italian language and culture from foreign influence. The government is particularly concerned about the use of English in Italian professional communication, which it claims has increased by 773% since 2000. The proposal has been criticized for its absurdity and authoritarian nature.