Education
Italy's 30% Foreign Student Cap Called 'Populist Measure'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a rule limiting foreign-born students without Italian nationality to 30 percent of class sizes, arguing it improves integration and language mastery. The measure targets primary schools where children have attended kindergarten for less than two years or secondary schools with less than three years of Italian education. Critics, including opposition leader Elly Schlein, label the policy populist and ideologically driven, questioning its feasibility and fairness toward students. The government also bans burkas and niqabs in schools, citing patriarchal violence. With over 900,000 non-Italian nationals among Italy’s 8 million students, officials note concentrations in specific urban areas. Analysts suggest the timing aligns with upcoming elections, as Meloni seeks to counter rising right-wing competition by appealing to conservative voters despite her moderate international stance.
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