Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced intentions to prohibit the wearing of burqas and niqabs in the country’s educational institutions. In addition to the dress code restrictions, her administration is considering measures to cap the number of foreign students allowed in each classroom.
The proposed policies are viewed as part of a broader political strategy aimed at strengthening Meloni’s public standing as Italy approaches its national election scheduled for next year. The announcement was published by Al Jazeera English on September 21, 2026.
Capping foreign enrollment sounds administrative, but the message is clear. Welcome to the new normal?
Surprised they haven’t done this yet. Italy has been talking about secularism in schools for years.
Does anyone actually think this addresses the real issues in Italian schools? Budget cuts, not burqas.
Limiting foreign students? That feels less about safety and more about exclusion disguised as policy.
Another election stunt. Meloni knows these polls will play well with her base before the vote.