The world of politics and institutions, both Italian and European, said goodbye to Giorgio Napolitano , the president emeritus who died at the age of 98.
The state funeral - with a secular ceremony - took place in Montecitorio and to pay homage to the two-time Head of State, in addition to the highest offices of the Republic, starting with Sergio Mattarella , the French president Emmanuel Macron and the federal president also attended German, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
After the arrival of the coffin, wrapped in the tricolor, at Montecitorio, there was a succession of memories and solemn tributes to the two-time Head of State.
"President Napolitano has always claimed - with pride - his own political history, his roots, the values he believed in", said the President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa in his speech. Adding: «Giorgio Napolitano witnessed a culture that becomes politics and a political culture that becomes an institution . As Head of State he led the Nation, recognizing himself in those values that are the foundations of our Constitutional Charter. Of course, like all great leaders, he has had confrontations and contrasts, even harsh ones, in the political arena."
«With Napolitano , one of the most important figures in the history of the Republic disappears», underlined the President of the Chamber Lorenzo Fontana .
The interventions of the family members were also touching. «My father accepted with a spirit of sacrifice the extreme extension of his responsibilities, before continuing his commitment as senator for life, showing what the nobility of politics and attachment to the institutions is», said his son Giulio.
"Giorgio Napolitano was a leader and a politician and a formidable man, thoughtful and full of attention , he was always there for us, he listened to our problems in a participatory and understanding way even though he was already busy with the country's problems", he recalled, in tears. , daughter Sofia.
The president emeritus will be buried in the non-Catholic cemetery in Rome , where, among others, Antonio Gramsci rests.
(Unioneonline/lf)