Peace, first and foremost. But also the words about young people and the future. And then work, healthcare and the reference to the history and strength of our Republic. These are the passages of the Head of State’s end-of-year speech that politics and institutions underline the most. And, albeit with different nuances, the applause for Sergio Mattarella is unanimous and bipartisan.
Meloni’s phone call
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni telephoned the President of the Republic to express “the government’s appreciation”. During the conversation, Meloni thanked Mattarella for «having placed emphasis on the profound meaning embodied by the eightieth anniversary of the birth of the Republic, which we are preparing to celebrate in 2026. Italy presents itself at this event with the strength of the authority, credibility and respect that are recognized at a global level and which are the fruit of the dynamism, courage and sacrifice of generations of Italians. A nation proud of its history, forged in the successes and difficulties experienced in recent decades, which possesses the tools and the opportunity to look to the future with optimism and hope”, underlined the Prime Minister, guaranteeing that “Italy will continue to do everything possible, at every level, so that peace can return as soon as possible to Ukraine, the Middle East and all areas of the world where war has taken over”. Finally, Meloni thanked the President of the Republic “for the encouragement given to the younger people, who represent the engine of change”.
La Russa: “Pride and belonging”. Fontana: message that challenges everyone
The President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, who spoke to the Head of State on the phone, observed how «the effective images of homeland history illustrated by President Sergio Mattarella for the 80 years of our Republic speak to us of unification, pride and belonging to an Italy, truly a ‘success story in the world’. A nation that recognizes itself in the Constitution, in democracy and in the values of peace, constructive discussion, beauty and tenacity”, remarked the second-in-charge of the State. «The strong call for peace and the attention paid to young people, at the center of the end-of-year message, challenge everyone. The future is built in dialogue and in the protagonism of the new generations, called to be builders of tomorrow”, stated the President of the Chamber Lorenzo Fontana, who then called the Head of State and on this occasion they agreed to meet on January 6, in St. Peter’s Basilica, for the closing of the Holy Door.
“The high words that bind everyone”: appreciation of Tajani
“The high words” of the President of the Republic “commit all of us to work to help build peace in Ukraine, in the Middle East, in Sudan and in all parts of the world where people die as a result of wars”, explained the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani. Matteo Salvini also highlighted the importance of Mattarella’s words on peace, “timely and wise reflections, which I hope will touch the minds and hearts of those who continue to talk about war to the bitter end”.
Salvini appreciated the passage on Milan-Cortina
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport then appreciated the quote on the Milan Cortina Olympics and the Housing Plan: «It is an honor and a duty, for me and for the entire government, to continue working with energy and enthusiasm so that the Olympic Games are a success, and a great housing plan for young people and families a reality».
The applause of the opposition
Maurizio Lupi, leader of Noi Moderates, assured that Mattarella’s words are “the foundation of our political action”. According to Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein, the Head of State «has held together the past, present and future of our country. The memory of the dark years of terrorism defeated by national unity, its reference to the importance of preserving the social achievements of the universal health service and the social security system extended to all, the right to housing and fair wages, the commitment to peace and closeness to the Ukrainian and Palestinian people bind together memory, civil commitment and vision of a better future that Italy expects and deserves”. The 5 Star Movement, guaranteed by leader Giuseppe Conte, is «lined up on the front line to protect what unites us in the Constitution: peace, fairly paid work, social justice and defense of public health, welfare and the environment. Even more so today, while wrong choices risk mortgaging the future of those values, of those rights.” Nicola Fratoianni of Avs underlined «the urgency of peace against the horror of war, the Republic as the foundation of our coexistence as a place of construction of our civil life, the great reforms that have improved the living conditions of millions and millions of citizens. And then the need to fight new poverty, to fully respect work and workers’ rights, and finally the non-rhetorical appeal to young people”: “once again” Mattarella “is also a point of reference for the daily work of each of us”. For Angelo Bonelli, a “high and authoritative call comes from Mattarella, which speaks to the country and to the conscience of the institutions”. «Gratitude and appreciation» from IV leader Matteo Renzi. Finally, the secretary of Più Europa Riccardo Magi wanted to underline how the Head of State has placed «emphasis on the posture that Italy will have to have to face the challenges that await us. Starting from peace”, while for the leader of Action Carlo Calenda “the sharpness and clarity with which Mattarella positions Italy are worth more than months and months of debates between the majority and the opposition”.