Meloni Plans Burqa Ban, Italian Lessons for Parents Amid Cheers at Right-Wing Youth Fest
Italy PM Giorgia Meloni announces stressed that even migrants must learn the language and respect the country's culture.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, September 21: Amid a standing ovation at Fenix 2026, organised by Gioventù Nazionale, the youth wing of Italy’s Brothers of Italy party, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Sunday announced plans to ban burqas and niqabs in schools. Meloni, who leads the right-wing Fratelli d'Italia (Brothers of Italy), said anyone planning to build a life in Italy must learn the language and understand the country’s culture.
Meloni also announced a cap on the number of foreign students in classrooms. Meanwhile, parents facing "serious difficulties integrating into the school system" would be required to take Italian language lessons.
"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 Gioventù Nazionale national festival in Rome. "It is the only serious way to welcome them."
Meloni said the proposed measure would prohibit the wearing of the burqa (a full-body garment that covers the face) and the naqab (a veil that covers the face while leaving only the eyes visible). She did not mention the hijab, which covers the hair and neck but leaves the face visible.
Meloni said a provision to this effect would be introduced soon. Once approved by the government, it would be submitted to Parliament, which would have 60 days to convert the measure into law.
Italy’s Migration Debate
Migration has remained a long-standing political issue in Italy. Over the past four decades, the country has seen a significant increase in migration, partly due to its geographical position in the Mediterranean, which has made it an important entry point into Europe for people arriving from North Africa and elsewhere.
Unlike countries such as France and the UK, where large parts of the Muslim population have historical links to former colonies, Italy’s Muslim population has developed through a range of migration patterns, including labour migration, family reunification and irregular migration by sea and land.
While maintaining a firm stance on immigration, Giorgia Meloni’s political profile has evolved during her tenure as prime minister, from a nationalist opposition figure to a prominent political figure within the European Union. Her conservative coalition has also provided relative political continuity in Rome, with her government becoming one of the longest-serving uninterrupted governments in Italy’s post-war history.
