Meloni promises to ban burqas, niqabs in Italy’s schools

Published On 20 Sep 202620 Sep 2026Italy will ban burqas and niqabs in schools, as well as limit the number of foreign students in classes, said far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with immigration expected to be a central issue in next year’s general election.Meloni outlined the proposed changes on Sunday at a gathering of the youth wing of her nationalist conservative Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, adding that they would also make Italian language lessons compulsory for parents of foreign students having “serious difficulties integrating into the school system”.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Meloni sets a record, leading Italy’s longest-serving government since WWIIlist 2 of 3Europe’s far right: Putin’s best friend?list 3 of 3‘Anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism’: Protesters warn against Italian billend of list“For us, anyone who comes to Italy and wants to build their future here must learn our language, understand our culture, and respect our rules,” she said to a standing ovation at the Gioventu Nazionale national festival in Rome. “It is the only serious way to welcome them.”Once approved by the government, the changes would need parliamentary approval withi...