Italy’s Meloni plans to ban burkas, niqabs in schools and cap foreign pupils in classrooms

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans on Sunday to introduce legislation that would limit the number of foreign students in classrooms and ban the wearing of burkas and niqabs in schools. The nationalist conservative leader also vowed to make Italian language lessons mandatory for parents of foreign pupils who struggle to integrate into the school system.

Meloni emphasized during a speech at a national festival in Rome that newcomers must learn the Italian language, culture, and respect the country's rules to successfully integrate. She singled out the burka and niqab as examples of garments that would be prohibited, though she did not mention the hijab, a headscarf commonly worn by some Muslim women.

Once passed by the government, the measure would require parliamentary approval within 60 days. Meloni, who initially leaned towards far-right politics, has moderated her stance over the years as she ascended to the position of prime minister. However, she continues to prioritize her popularity ahead of the upcoming general election next year by implementing a series of measures aimed at boosting her support, including a tax exemption for small and medium-sized cars and scooters.

The conservative administration has held onto power in Italy for the longest continuous period since World War II.