Susanna Riva In the most heated public debate of recent months, the issue of multiethnic classrooms has returned to the forefront of political attention. On September 21, 2026, during the meeting of the League's Federal Council, leader Matteo Salvini raised a complaint that immediately sparked controversy: according to him, many schools are creating veritable ghetto classes where foreign students constitute the majority and prevent teachers from carrying out their teaching duties.
Salvini denounces the "ghetto classes" and calls for a roof
Salvini described the typical situation with specific numbers: 20 children from 15 different ethnic groups, speaking 15 different languages, share a classroom with just three Italian students. This phenomenon, which the MP described as "ghetto classes," makes it more difficult to manage lessons and learn.
The politician then called for a cap on the number of foreign students per class and for parents to be required to learn Italian, arguing that such a measure would be beneficial for both children and teachers. He also expressed hope that President Mattarella would share his position.
Valditara Plan: The "Cover" Decree for Students in Need
Education Minister Valditara responded to the League's requests by drafting a decree expected to be published within two weeks . The measure introduces a maximum limit of foreign students per class, commonly referred to as a cap , and requires parents to attend Italian language courses. The stated goal is to ensure better academic integration and reduce teachers' workloads.
Language requirement for parents
According to Flavia Amabile's article published on September 21, 2026, the decree also includes a provision making Italian language study mandatory for parents of foreign students, with free courses offered at schools. The measure, described as an integration tool , should foster communication between families and teachers, reducing the language barriers that, according to the government, hinder the educational process.
Reactions from political protagonists
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed the initiative during the youth festival in Fenix, organized by the Brothers of Italy party, emphasizing that the "cap" is a concrete response to the need for order and continuity in schools. Democratic Party leader Ernesto Schlein called the measure a form of remigration , accusing the government of being locked into an exclusive approach. For his part, Mario Magi suggested that the proposal "pursues racial purity," fueling the debate over the ethnic motivation behind the policy.
The debate highlights a climate of strong polarization: while the League and the center-right coalition defend the cap as an operational necessity, the opposition interprets it as a sign of opposition to immigration. The proposal still awaits final approval from the President of the Republic, who will need to assess the balance between educational needs and the constitutional principles of inclusion.