Italy Plans School Burqa Ban and Foreign Student Cap

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced plans to ban burqas and niqabs in schools and to set a maximum number of foreign students per class. She made the announcement at an event in New York, where the audience responded with a standing ovation. Meloni said equality between men and women is non-negotiable.

Opposition leader Elly Schlein responded by calling on Meloni to say when the next election will be held. The announcement also drew attention to internal party dynamics, with reports describing a two-point plan to neutralize party figure Roberto Vannacci.