General Claudio Graziano , 70 years old, president of Fincantieri, found dead at home . High-ranking officer, Chief of Defense Staff for three years (from 2015 to 2018) and then president of the Military Committee of the European Union, he had recently lost his wife Marisa, a trauma that had deeply saddened him . There are many hypotheses on the causes of death, including suicide.
«I express deep sorrow at the news of the sudden passing of General Claudio Graziano», the words of the Head of State Sergio Mattarella . «I remember him as a generous and loyal man of institutions , capable of always putting his competence and professionalism at the service of the Republic, qualities demonstrated in the important national and international top roles he held during his long career» .
«I am shocked by the news of the tragic death of General Claudio Graziano», commented Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni . « An upright servant of the State leaves us , who throughout his life brought honor to the nation, the Armed Forces and the institutions with dedication, competence and professionalism. I would like to extend, on my behalf and that of the entire Government, my condolences and closeness to his family and loved ones."
Among the first to comment, Antonio Tajani: «The passing of General Claudio Graziano leaves me speechless – wrote the Foreign Minister on X -. He was a friend and was an extraordinary officer who brought honor to Italy, even in his European roles. May a prayer accompany him on his journey to reach his bride."
Born in Turin in 1953, Graziano trained at the Military Academy of Modena. Then a path of growth up to the command of two operations abroad. The first, in 2006, at the helm of the Kabul Multinational Brigade in Afghanistan (for which he directed numerous humanitarian initiatives in the context of reconstruction and first aid activities); and then in 2007, when the Secretary General of the United Nations awarded him the role of Force Commander of the Unifil mission in Lebanon. Graziano was also a ski instructor and a great mountain enthusiast and expert.
Gratian had also been among those who had supported the need to accelerate the establishment of a European army .
(Unioneonline/vl)