Italy approves school decree capping non-Italian speakers and banning face veils

Italian school reform language integration burqa ban student quotas Giorgia Meloni

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has approved a new decree-law introducing significant reforms to the national school system. A central component of the measure is a 30% cap on the number of students in first-year primary and secondary classes who do not have an adequate command of the Italian language. This limit applies to non-Italian citizens who have not completed a specific number of years in the national education system, though it is based on linguistic proficiency rather than nationality alone.

To support this transition, the government has allocated 17.5 million euros to enhance language training. The decree also mandates that parents of students with significant linguistic deficits attend free Italian language courses. Failure to comply with these new regulations, including the prohibition of face-covering garments such as the burka and niqab in schools, can result in fines ranging from 200 to 1,000 euros.

The measures, which are intended to take effect starting from the 2027/2028 school year, aim to prevent the formation of “ghetto classes” and promote social integration. While the administration describes these as “common sense” tools for integration, the decree has faced criticism from opposition parties and teacher unions, who argue the rules may disproportionately affect immigrant families and impact student placement.

Entities

Brescia · Brothers of Italy · Cittadinanzattiva · Council of Ministers · Democratic Party · Elly Schlein · Giorgia Meloni · Giuseppe Valditara · Italy · Ministry of Education and Merit · OECD · Rete degli Studenti Medi

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni intends to use a vote of confidence to secure the passage of the law in the Chamber of Deputies.
[● 3 SOURCES] Giorgia Meloni stated she is prepared to resign if the Chamber of Deputies rejects the electoral reform.
[● 10 SOURCES] The government plans to continue tax cuts, specifically targeting the middle class. www.calabrianews.it · www.corrierenazionale.net
[● 11 SOURCES] A new decree proposes a 30% limit on foreign students in first-year classes to aid integration. www.calabrianews.it · www.corrierenazionale.net · www.cagliarilivetv.it · www.inliberta.it · lecodellitorale.it · +2 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] President Sergio Mattarella prefers that elections be held in June, potentially as an 'election day' combined with local elections.
[● 5 SOURCES] The proposed electoral law includes a majority premium for coalitions reaching 42% of the vote. www.progettoitalianews.net · www.persemprenews.it
[● 4 SOURCES] The Senate approved the new electoral law, often called 'Stabilicum' or 'Melonellum', on September 15. www.persemprenews.it · www.progettoitalianews.net
[● 3 SOURCES] The electoral reform includes 'tempered' preferences with blocked list leaders chosen by parties. www.persemprenews.it
[● 8 SOURCES] Violations of the face-covering ban carry administrative fines ranging from 200 to 1,000 euros. www.bellunopress.it · www.imolaoggi.it
[● 4 SOURCES] The government will provide free Italian language courses for parents to facilitate student integration. www.dayitalianews.com
[● 9 SOURCES] In primary school, the 30% cap applies to non-Italian citizens who were not born in Italy or did not attend at least two years of nursery school. www.verbanonews.it · www.imolaoggi.it · etvmarche.it
[● 10 SOURCES] The decree prohibits wearing the burqa or niqab during school activities and parent-teacher meetings. www.bellunopress.it · www.imolaoggi.it