A packed church in Sassari today paid tribute to Pietrino Soddu, who died at 97. "His parish community was here at Mater Ecclesiae," said the parish priest, Father Massimiliano Salis. Among the dignitaries present were Regional Council President Piero Comandini, Deputy Governor Giuseppe Meloni, Regional Councilor for Tourism Franco Cuccureddu , and Mayor Giuseppe Mascia.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, the latter recalled having seen him in August. "He told me that it's not enough to be inspired by democratic principles; we must engage in political action through democratic principles. And this is evident in all his political work."
Many people have touched Soddu's political and personal journey, including Beppe Pisanu, former Interior Minister in the Berlusconi government from 2002 to 2006, and a Christian Democrat. "He was one of the founding fathers of Sardinian autonomy," he declared. "He was decisive," added Renato Soru, Sardinian governor from 2004 to 2008, "in convincing me that my commitment to politics would be important."
"He brought culture to politics, which unfortunately no longer exists today," said Angelo Rojch, president of the Region from 1982 to 1984. Daniele Arca, mayor of Benetutti, the politician's hometown, recalled how Soddu served as a local councilor from 2006 to 2011. "He never intimidated us," he emphasized. "Before speaking, he listened to what we had to say. To put us at ease."
There was great emotion among those who wanted to pay homage to Pietrino Soddu, remembering his dedication to his homeland and, Pisanu emphasized, to "the Sardinian people to whom he was viscerally attached."