Rome, Sep 25 (V7N)- The Italian government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has approved a decree-law banning the wearing of face-covering garments, including the burqa and niqab, in educational institutions.
The government has also approved a measure limiting the proportion of foreign or non-Italian-speaking students in classrooms to 30 percent.
Violations of the face-covering ban could result in fines of up to 1,000 euros. As a decree-law, the measure can take effect immediately but must be approved by Parliament within 60 days to remain in force.
The measures were first presented publicly on Sunday (September 20) at a youth conference organized by Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI) party. They were formally approved at a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Meloni expressed support for the measures in a post on X, describing the promotion of Italian-language learning and the ban on burqa and niqab in schools as measures aimed at strengthening integration and unity.
She said Italy wants an education system that integrates foreign students into mainstream society while maintaining the country’s existing rules.
The government said the measures are intended to strengthen Italian-language education and promote integration within the school system.
The decree will now face parliamentary scrutiny, with lawmakers required to approve it within the stipulated 60-day period.
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