The German parliament has granted approval for legislation aimed at facilitating the acquisition of citizenship and removing restrictions on holding dual citizenship last friday. The proposal, advocated by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left, socially liberal coalition, garnered a majority vote of 382-234, with 23 lawmakers abstaining. While the government contends that the move will enhance immigrant integration and attract skilled labor, the main center-right opposition criticizes it, asserting that it could devalue German citizenship.

The approved legislation reduces the residency requirement for citizenship eligibility from eight to five years, or three years in the case of "special integration accomplishments." German-born children automatically become citizens if one parent has been a legal resident for five years, down from the current eight years. Additionally, the law eliminates restrictions on dual citizenship, a departure from the existing requirement that individuals from countries outside the European Union and Switzerland relinquish their previous nationality upon gaining German citizenship.

The government notes that 14 percent of the population, over 12 million out of 84.4 million inhabitants, lacks German citizenship, with around 5.3 million having resided in Germany for at least a decade. Germany's naturalization rate is reportedly below the EU average. In 2022, 168,500 people were granted German citizenship, the highest figure since 2002, with a notable increase in Syrian citizens being naturalized.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasizes that the reform aligns Germany with European neighbors like France and aims to attract skilled workers. The legislation specifies that those seeking naturalization must be able to support themselves and their dependents, with exceptions for "guest workers" who came to West Germany before 1974 and those who arrived in communist East Germany to work.

The existing requirement for citizenship applicants to adhere to the "free democratic fundamental order" is retained, with the new version explicitly stating that antisemitic and racist acts are incompatible with this commitment. However, the conservative opposition argues that Germany is relaxing citizenship requirements at a time when other countries are tightening theirs, describing the legislation as a "citizenship devaluation bill."

The citizenship law overhaul is part of a broader series of social reforms agreed upon by Scholz's three-party coalition upon taking office in late 2021.

China has emerged as a formidable player in the global electric vehicle (EV) market, and the recent unveiling of Xiaomi Corp.'s first electric vehicle, the SU7, is a testament to the nation's ambitious strides in automotive innovation. Xiaomi's entry into the EV arena, targeting industry giants like Tesla Inc. and Porsche AG, signals a new chapter in the competitive landscape of China's burgeoning electric vehicle sector.

At a grand event hosted at the China National Convention Center, Xiaomi's co-founder and CEO, Lei Jun, proudly introduced the SU7, a five-seat sedan designed to rival luxury car brands. The SU7 boasts an impressive 800-kilometer range per charge, adjustable spoilers, a top speed of 265 kilometers per hour, and a unique array of colors. Xiaomi plans to collaborate with renowned Chinese battery manufacturers, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. and BYD Co., offering consumers single and dual motor configuration options.

Lei Jun's foray into the EV market is backed by a substantial $10 billion investment, aligning with Xiaomi's disruptive impact in the smartphone industry. The SU7, positioned alongside Porsche's Taycan Turbo and Tesla's Model S in terms of performance and technology, is expected to be competitively priced, although the exact figures are yet to be disclosed.

While Xiaomi aims to revolutionize the EV market, it faces challenges in China's evolving regulatory landscape. Constraints such as manufacturing permit limitations prompted Xiaomi to form a partnership with Beijing Automotive Group Co. for EV production. The discontinuation of significant state EV subsidies in 2022 adds another layer of complexity to Xiaomi's entry into the competitive market.

Lei Jun remains undeterred, positioning the SU7 as a viable alternative to higher-priced competitors. Addressing market speculation about the SU7's price, Lei hinted that it would surpass the rumored 99,000 yuan, aligning more closely with higher-end models often priced over 400,000 yuan. 

Xiaomi's venture into the electric vehicle market adds a new dimension to China's rapidly evolving automotive landscape. With the SU7's impressive features and Lei Jun's ambitious vision, Xiaomi aims to disrupt the status quo and compete with established players on both the domestic and global fronts. As China continues to assert itself as a key player in the electric vehicle revolution, Xiaomi's SU7 promises to be a pivotal contender, embodying the nation's commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector.

China's commitment to EVs remains evident as the country leads global sales, experiencing a 29% increase in EV sales year-to-date as of September. Xiaomi's entry into the EV market aligns with broader trends, reflecting China's dedication to sustainable transportation.