Premier Giorgia Meloni’s proposal to set a limit on the number of foreign pupils classrooms can have in Italy has come under fire, with opposition politicians blasting it as propaganda and head teachers raising doubts about whether it can be implemented.
Meloni made in the proposal during an address on Sunday to a festival organized by Gioventù Nazionale (National Youth), the youth wing of her right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, in a speech in which she also said burqas and niqabs will be banned in Italian schools.
“From an educational standpoint, the issue is valid and understandable, but it’s difficult to find a practical solution.” Antonello Giannelli, president of the National Association of School Principals (ANP), told ANSA.
“Schools must accept enrolments from children in the neighbourhood, especially for preschool and elementary schools, and if foreigners make up the majority in that area, what can we do? “Should we send them away?” For this reason, a 30% cap could not be implemented”.
Vittoria Baldino, the vice-president of the opposition 5-Star Movement (M5S), said the proposal was a stunt by Meloni in view of next year’s general election.
“We can expect propaganda from this government on taxes, ‘woke’ issues, and practically everything else, but is it acceptable to engage in propaganda concerning schools on the backs of our children?,” Baldino told La7 television.
“Giorgia Meloni is trying to draw us into her arena, while the real problems facing public education lie elsewhere.
“I, too, have children in the public school system.
“There are schools where even toilet paper is lacking, forcing parents to bring in paper themselves.
“The school year began amidst soaring temperatures, leaving our children in sweltering classrooms without air conditioning, while in winter, the heating often fails to work in many buildings.
“Italy invests far less in education than the European average: 4% of GDP and 8% of total public spending.
“Shouldn’t we be discussing the serious issues affecting schools? “Incidentally, the 30% cap on foreign students per class is already mandated under an existing circular letter”.
