"The women and men of Italy, on June 2, eighty years ago, wanted the Republic. This evening we gather together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of that historic decision of our people ." These were the words of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the opening of "The Faces of the Republic. 80 Years Since the Referendum," the grand spectacle held in Piazza del Quirinale in Rome, which closes the two-day celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Republic, attended by the highest officials of the state.
"Today we are not just celebrating a date, a memorable anniversary. We are remembering a journey that has linked so many generations and so many territories ," Mattarella added, "that has overcome difficult times and experienced exhilarating moments, strengthening that bond of solidarity and belonging that makes us feel united. This is the Italy of today, the fruit of the work and commitment of so many people. These are the many faces of the Republic. Let us, then, exchange our best wishes. Happy Republic to all of us! "
Students, volunteers, scout groups, and athletes gathered in the square, mingling with representatives of the worlds of politics and business: they all greeted President Sergio Mattarella with a warm applause.
The government is almost fully present (missing, among others, are Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini; the other Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani, is present). Giancarlo Giorgetti lets out a joke about the difficult negotiations with the EU, quoting former Italian national team coach Giovanni Trapattoni ("Don't count your chickens until they're in the coop"). Guido Crosetto jokes with reporters but declines to make any comments. Francesco Lollobrigida lists the results of the 1946 referendum in Lazio . Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni enters arm in arm with Senate President Ignazio La Russa, along with other representatives of the constitutional bodies.
In the audience were many representatives of the majority parties, from the leader of Noi Moderati Maurizio Lupi to the secretary of the UDC Antonio De Poli, and the leaders of the opposition.
Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte (who arrived with his partner), Angelo Bonelli, Nicola Fratoianni, and Carlo Calenda are there. Gianni Letta, of course, is also there. Also present are Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, with his wife, and Antonella Sberna, Vice President of the European Parliament.
A rich lineup of entertainment stars took to the stage, including Roberto Bolle (with a special performance), Annalisa, Luca Barbarossa, Cecilia Bartoli, Gianni Morandi, Giuliano Sangiorgi, actors Cesare Bocci, Cristiana Capotondi, Paola Cortellesi, Carolina Crescentini, Marta Gastini, Flavio Insinna, Massimo Popolizio, Carlo Verdone, Luca Zingaretti, athletes Giuseppe Bergomi, Federica Brignone, Alessandro Del Piero, Arianna Fontana, Abdon Pamich, and Bebe Vio. And then there was Sardinia, with the music of Paolo Fresu .
(Unioneonline/vl)