Meloni announces ban on burqa and niqab in Italian schools, cap on foreign students

Live updates

1. 59m ago

   Meloni Announces School Ban on Face Coverings and Cap on Foreign Students

   Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to ban burqas and niqabs in Italian schools and limit the number of foreign students permitted per classroom. Speaking at the Fenix youth gathering of the Brothers of Italy party, Meloni stated that Italian children should not feel like a minority in their own classrooms. Minister for Education and Merit Valditara clarified that the student cap will target those who do not speak Italian, including students holding European passports. The measures are expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers this Thursday.

   Why it matters

   Italy's central Mediterranean location makes it one of Europe's most exposed nations to migrant arrivals. Meloni argues that limiting non-Italian speakers per class facilitates faster language acquisition and integration for those students.

   What is confirmed

   • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to ban burqas and niqabs in Italian schools.
   • The Italian government intends to implement a cap on the number of foreign students allowed in each classroom.
   • Minister for Education and Merit Valditara stated the cap applies to students who do not speak Italian, including those with European passports.
   • Meloni announced these measures during the Fenix gathering hosted by the Brothers of Italy youth branch.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Council of Ministers will approve the measures this Thursday.
   • Minister Valditara expressed worry regarding the exodus of white people.

   What to watch next

   • The Council of Ministers' formal vote on the measures this Thursday.
   • Official publication of the specific numerical limits for foreign students per class.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. Reuters — Italy to ban veils in schools, limit foreign students per class, Meloni says
   2. AP News — Meloni plans to ban burqas and niqabs in Italian schools, and cap foreign students in classrooms
   3. Euronews.com — Meloni announces ban on burqa and niqab in Italian schools, cap on foreign students
   4. Al Jazeera — Meloni promises to ban burqas, niqabs in Italy’s schools
   5. politico.eu — Meloni promises to ban veils in Italian schools and limit foreign students
   6. upi.com — Italian PM preparing face-covering ban, cap on foreign students
   7. The Times of Israel — Italy to ban burqas in schools, limit number of foreign students per class, Meloni says
   8. The Times of India — Meloni plans burqa, niqab ban in Italian schools; how it compares to rest of Europe
   9. The Hindu — Meloni plans to ban burqas and niqabs in Italian schools, cap foreign students in classrooms
   10. CBS News — Italy leader Giulia Meloni announces plans to limit foreign student numbers, ban face coverings in schools
   11. CBS News — Italy leader Giorgia Meloni announces plans to limit foreign student numbers, ban face coverings in schools
   12. KVAL — Meloni says Italy to ban face coverings, limit foreign students per class in schools
   confidence 95%