# Italian Education Minister Demands Withdrawal of History Textbook Over Political Bias Giuseppe Valditara calls for the removal of a textbook linking the government to fascism. - **Source:** [Il Sole 24 Ore – Italia](https://www.ilsole24ore.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/882c49ca-ba7b-475a-8d3c-38e2a55ef6ab ## Ministerial Call for Withdrawal Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara has publicly requested that the Laterza publishing house withdraw the high-school history textbook titled Trame del tempo 3. Valditara argues the text is scientifically inadequate and risks indoctrinating students. He suggests that removing the book is necessary to protect the publisher's own professional reputation. ## Controversial Textbook Content The textbook, authored by Caterina Ciccopiedi, Valentina Colombi, Carlo Greppi, and Marco Meotto, contains sharp criticisms of the current administration. It characterizes the government led by Premier Giorgia Meloni as one that implements clearly liberticidal measures. These specific claims have triggered significant backlash from government officials and political representatives. ## Linking Government to Fascism A central point of contention involves the book's historical framing of the Brothers of Italy party. The text states the government came to power exactly one century after the March on Rome. It further argues that the party maintains a close relationship with an avowedly fascist base, inheriting that legacy. ## Governmental Response and Criticism Valditara expressed his disapproval during a meeting with students at the Goffredo Mameli middle school in Milan. He rejected the textbook's portrayal of the government as one that deports immigrants and singles them out. The minister labeled these assertions as entirely self-serving, unreliable, and harmful to the public discourse. ## Parliamentary Action Taken The controversy has moved beyond the classroom, as the Brothers of Italy party has officially filed a parliamentary question regarding the textbook. This formal legislative step highlights the intensity of the political reaction to the book's content. The move signals an escalation in the government's efforts to challenge the narrative. ## Debate Over Academic Freedom The situation raises questions regarding the boundaries between academic analysis and political commentary in educational materials. While the authors present their historical interpretation, the government views these passages as biased indoctrination rather than objective history. This tension reflects broader struggles over how Italy’s fascist past is taught in schools. ## Publisher and Author Stance The sources do not specify a direct response from the Laterza publishing house or the four co-authors regarding the minister's demand. The textbook remains available on platforms intended for high school use despite the ongoing political pressure. The lack of a formal rebuttal leaves the immediate status of the book uncertain. ## Broader Implications for Education This incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding political content in Italian school curricula. By demanding the withdrawal of a text, the government asserts its role in monitoring educational standards. Observers will watch to see if this intervention leads to changes in textbook review processes or further debates on historical objectivity. ## Sources covering this story - [Il Sole 24 Ore – Italia — Minister Valditara Demands Withdrawal of Laterza History Textbook](https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/valditara-manuale-storia-laterza-indottrina-studenti-va-ritirato-AJDNhOBC) - [ANSA English — Italian Minister Demands Withdrawal of Textbook Critical of Government](https://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2026/11/10/valditara-calls-for-withdrawal-of-text-book-accusing-govt-of-destroying-liberty_73af7ff2-49a1-4018-9eb4-3f5c1b8dda9c.html) - [ANSA English — Italian Minister Demands Withdrawal of Textbook Criticizing Government](https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2026/11/10/valditara-calls-for-withdrawal-of-text-book-accusing-govt-of-destroying-liberty_533ac96d-775f-4d88-9037-9a458fa29938.html) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._