In the space of a week, Arzachena has lost two key figures in its recent history: Don Francesco Cossu, parish priest of Santa Maria della Neve for over forty years, and Piero Filigheddu, four-time mayor of the municipality. Two figures who, in different fields, accompanied the town's transformation and represented key figures in the community for decades. Don Cossu died on Sunday, November 8th, at the age of 90. A few days later, Filigheddu, a key figure in a long period of Arzachena politics, also passed away at the age of 85.
Piero Filigheddu's involvement in local government began in the 1970s. He was first elected mayor in 1975, followed by three more terms in 1994, 1998, and 2008. His political career was erratic, but it was long enough to span generations of administrators and differing civic balances. In 1994, he was also the first to secure office through direct elections, introduced by the new legislation. His name is linked to a period in which governing Arzachena meant dealing with a rapidly evolving reality, balancing the needs of the town center, those of its hamlets, and the growing importance of tourist development. Filigheddu also established a personal relationship with Prince Karim Aga Khan, founder of the Costa Smeralda. His long presence on the political scene testifies to the role he played in the administrative affairs of the area.
The former mayor's funeral will take place tomorrow, Sunday, November 15, at 12:00 p.m., in the church of Santa Maria della Neve, known as the Tempio Nuovo.
