Italian Foreign Minister’s Call for More African Students Stirs Controversy Within Coalition

Italy’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, has recently proposed a significant increase in the number of African students studying in Italy. Speaking at a conference in Rimini, Tajani suggested that Italy could better utilize its development initiative, the Mattei Plan, to attract and support more African students.

He likened this plan to a modern-day Marshall Plan, implying it could serve as a major boost for both Italy and Africa, similar to how the Marshall Plan aided European recovery after World War II.

Tajani’s proposal comes amid a broader push by his Forza Italia party to grant citizenship to foreign minors who are educated in Italy. This proposal is designed to make Italy a more attractive destination for international students and potentially create a pathway to citizenship for those who complete their studies.

However, this measure has met with resistance from the more hard-right factions of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, who are wary of increasing immigration and expanding citizenship rights.

Italy’s current approach to international students contrasts sharply with that of other European Union nations. In 2022, Italy issued just 25,000 study permits, a significant shortfall compared to France’s 105,000 and Germany’s 70,000. This disparity highlights Italy’s struggle to compete with its EU counterparts in attracting and retaining foreign students.

Experts attribute Italy’s lower numbers to several factors, including the limited global reach of the Italian language and the challenges foreign students may face in finding employment after graduation.

The Italian language is less commonly spoken globally compared to other major European languages like English, French, or Spanish. This linguistic barrier can make Italy a less attractive option for students from non-European countries who might prioritize studying in a country where they have better prospects for future employment or where the language of instruction is more widely spoken.

Additionally, the Italian job market can be challenging for foreign graduates, who may face difficulties in securing employment due to language requirements and competitive job conditions.

Tajani’s proposal to increase the number of African students could further intensify the ongoing debate within the Italian government over immigration and citizenship rights. His call for more international students aligns with his party’s broader goals of enhancing Italy’s global role and improving its development initiatives.

However, this push is likely to face continued opposition from those who are concerned about the implications for Italy’s immigration policies and the potential impact on domestic job markets and social services.

As discussions continue, the tension between expanding educational opportunities for foreign students and managing immigration and citizenship policies will likely remain a contentious issue within Italy’s ruling coalition.