Italian Teacher Fights Back After 20 Years of Absence Leads to Termination

An Italian teacher who was dismissed after being absent for 20 out of 24 years of service has vowed to defend herself and reconstruct the truth of her story. Cinzia Paolina De Lio, a secondary school teacher specializing in history and philosophy, was initially reinstated in 2018 but had her dismissal confirmed by Italy's highest court. The court cited her absences as evidence of "permanent and absolute ineptitude." De Lio claims to have documents to refute the claim and has condemned the ruling, stating that she will not answer questions from journalists. The education ministry has pledged to ensure teaching is carried out with professionalism.