Giorgia Meloni plans burqa, niqab ban in Italian schools and cap on foreign students in classrooms

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has proposed banning burqas and niqabs in schools, along with placing a cap on the number of foreign students in classrooms. During a speech at a youth event for her nationalist conservative party, Meloni emphasized the importance of learning Italian, understanding the culture, and respecting the rules as a condition for integration.

She stated that anyone wishing to build a future in Italy must adhere to these requirements. The exact limit of foreign students per classroom remains unspecified. Currently, foreign citizens make up roughly 11.6% of school enrollments in Italy. Meloni did not mention the hijab, a headscarf commonly worn by some Muslim women. These measures are part of a broader strategy to promote integration, language skills, and respect for Italian institutions.

Once approved, the legislation would require parliamentary approval within 60 days. Meloni has been vocal about her hardline stance on migration since taking office. This announcement precedes a general election slated for the following year. The government is also pursuing other policies to address domestic concerns, such as an exemption from a property tax for small and medium-sized vehicles.

The school proposals now await the next stage of the legislative process, with their specific details still to be determined.