Italian Minister Advocates for Increased African Student Enrollment Amid Coalition Dispute

Antonio Tajani, Italy's Foreign Minister, advocated for more African students to study in Italy. His proposal aligns with Forza Italia's stance but faces resistance from hard-right coalition members. Tajani likened the initiative to a modern-day Marshall Plan for Africa. Data shows Italy lags behind other EU nations in attracting foreign students.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani voiced his support on Thursday for increasing the number of African students in Italy, a statement likely to intensify existing coalition tensions over immigration and citizenship.

Tajani's center-right Forza Italia party has pushed for granting citizenship to foreign minors completing their education in Italy, facing opposition from hard-right coalition partners, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy and Matteo Salvini's League. "I believe the number of African students studying in Italy should be increased," Tajani stated at a Catholic business and politics conference in Rimini, on the Adriatic coast.

Tajani discussed the Mattei Plan, an Italian development initiative for African nations, likening it to the Marshall Plan, which helped rebuild European economies post-World War II. Far fewer foreigners study in Italy compared to other major EU countries. ISTAT data revealed Italy issued around 25,000 study permits in 2022, significantly less than France and Germany. Issues like the limited use of Italian globally and challenges in finding employment were cited as key deterrents.

(With inputs from agencies.)