An Italian who chose Europe

“His enlightened, wise action has contributed to strengthening ideals of solidarity, unity and harmony across the population, especially in the European and national contexts marked by difficulties.” Pope Francis thus underlined the “European stature” of Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Italian Republic from 2006 to January 14 2015, when he decided to step down. Born in Naples, young anti-fascist, member and later leader of the Communist Party, expert in economics and foreign policy, MP in several legislatures, Italian Minister, MEP in two different terms (in these capacities chairman of the Constitutional Affairs Commission in Strasbourg), Napolitano received unanimous commendations. From Berlin as from Paris, from Brussels and from Madrid, from Warsaw, London and Washington, he was recognized a “broad vision” of politics along with the capability of  reconciling personal beliefs and convictions with the respect fro democratic institutions and a “special attention” to ideals of others. For all of this as well as for the relations interwoven with the Catholic Church Napolitano stand outs   as a modern statesman, sensitive to citizens’ expectations. “Indelible heritage”. In addition to messages sent to the former guest of the Quirinale (seat of the Presidency of the Italian Republic) by citizens of his own Country, several heads of government and State in Europe have also communicated tokens of appreciation to the political action of Napolitano. “I pay homage to Giorgio Napolitano, anchor of stability for Italy, true European statesman”, said Donald Tusk, Polish, President of the European Council. His words were echoed by Martin Schulz, German president of the European Parliament: “The resignation of Giorgio Napolitano today, at the very end of the Italian Council presidency, is a strong symbol of his unwavering Europeanism.” “Throughout his political career, and even more so during his presidency, President Napolitano has guaranteed stability, responsibility and guidance in Italy and Europe.” “Europe has been a constant source of attention and reflection for President Napolitano. During the crisis he has lucidly diagnosed Europe’s social and economic problems and offered sensible solutions to re-launch growth and the EU project as a whole.” For Schulz, Napolitano has been “been one of the strongest promoters of a political Europe. His speech in the European Parliament on 4 February 2014 remains a highlight of the previous legislature and one of the most farsighted interventions on the future of Europe ever-pronounced in the Strasbourg plenary.” A life devoted to politics. “My dear friend Giorgio Napolitano is an anchor of stability, a solid and reassuring presence, and a great European”, said Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the EU Commission. He added: “Throughout his political career and in his 9 years as President, he weathered every storm with poise and dedicated his life to Italy and to Europe. I am sure that history will recognise his great contribution to Italy and to the European ideal.” Federal Germany president Joachim Gauck, often in harmony with Napolitano on issues regarding the continent’s future, declared: “He shaped political life in Italy and Europe with wisdom and foresight. In times of major challenges he reacted with level-headedness identifying compromise solutions that benefited his Country and its partners.” No going back. The farewell of Giorgio Napolitano to institutional commitments occurred during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Several MEPs referred to his personality and to the contribution to European integration. The speech delivered by the Italian President on February 4 2014 in the hemicycle, four months ahead of the European elections was recalled several times. On that occasion Napolitano called for a courageous rekindling of the project founded by the “fathers” of integration, adapted to the current historical, economic and social circumstance, calling for radical reforms to restore “more unity, democracy, effectiveness” to the EU, along with increased participation of EU citizens. He had concluded his speech with the following words: “The foundations of the European construction are deeply rooted. They created a profound interconnection and interpenetration among the societies, institutions, social forces, citizens and youths in our Countries. Nothing will make us go back.”