Franco Frattini, current president of the Council of State, died yesterday evening at the age of 65 . Long-time parliamentarian (from 1996 to 2004 and from 2008 to 2013), historical exponent of Forza Italia, twice Foreign Minister of the Berlusconi governments (from 2002 to 2004 and from 2008 to 2011).

Born in Rome in 1957, he graduated in law and in 1981 became a state attorney. In the years from 2004 to 2008 he was also Vice President of the EU Commission and Commissioner for Justice, Security and Freedom.

The last assignment, the presidency of the state council, was entrusted to him on 14 January .

In those days his name had also entered the debate on the choice of the new president of the Republic , before the political forces converged on the reappointment of Sergio Mattarella.

« Franco Frattini - Berlusconi wrote on social media - was a true servant of the State: in Italy and abroad where he was appreciated by all for the competence with which he carried out the role of European Commissioner and then of Foreign Minister . I will always remember his great ability to face complex problems with a smile, to be at ease in every role and the esteem he sowed. I will miss him as well as all the people who have had the good fortune to be able to collaborate with him ».

"Grieved" President Mattarella for the death of a "high-profile protagonist who in recent years has made an important contribution to the life of our institutions" .

Giorgia Meloni remembers him as "a polite and intelligent man, a servant of the institutions". “He was my friend. On behalf of the Government, I extend my sincere condolences to family and friends. We will be proud to complete the reform of the procurement code on which he had worked with dedication".

Many politicians and representatives of the institutions remember him: "I learn with enormous regret the news of the death of Franco Frattini - declared the president of the Senate, Ignazio La Russa -. For many years I had the opportunity to work with him, appreciating his human and political skills . A respectable person goes with Franco, one of those who leave so many good memories». "Profound condolences" was also expressed by the Speaker of the Chamber Lorenzo Fontana.