35 years after his death, Berlinguer remains irreplaceable: the memory of President Mattarella and politicians

“Enrico Berlinguer was an esteemed and popular political leader, protagonist of a period that accompanied the development of the country, in rights, in democratic participation”. This is what the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella stated. “Thirty-five years later, his dramatic death is still remembered by many Italians and his figure as a man of dialogue, thoughtful and rigorous, a combative leader, capable of important turning points in the affirmation of the autonomy of the Italian communist movement, continues to arouse attention even among young people and respect even from those who did not share his ideas”. Today at the Senate, President Elisabetta Casellati, before starting the work, invited the Assembly to observe a minute of silence in memory of Enrico Berlinguer, the leader of the PCI who died 35 years ago. “Before starting our work today, I would like to address a heartfelt thought to the figure of Enrico Berlinguer, on the occasion of the thirty-fifth anniversary of his death”. Said Elisabetta Casellati. “Secretary of the Communist Party from 1972 to 1984,” the President recalls, “a member of parliament for five legislatures, Enrico Berlinguer was an authentic leader, loved and listened to, an undisputed protagonist in the political history of our Republic. A proud defender of his ideals inside and outside the halls of Parliament and, at the same time, always open to dialogue and constructive and intelligent discussion, even with those who did not share his positions and strategies.” “It is no coincidence,” Casellati emphasizes, “that Berlinguer himself, a man of the party and not of a partisan, was able to garner the esteem and respect of all, so much so that he left an indelible mark on subsequent political generations.” “The moral question,” the President of the Senate continues, “which has always been one of the most relevant aspects of Italian political life since then, was placed at the center of attention by him with foresight and foresight, in line with his vision of a competent, responsible ruling class with a strong ethical sense, such as to place it above all suspicion. A staunch supporter of the democratic stability of the country and its institutions, Berlinguer was able to indicate an entirely Italian alternative during the years of the Cold War and the conflict between East and West”.
“35 years after the death of one of the giants of our history, his words and his teachings continue to inspire us”. Senator Pietro Grasso (Leu) wrote this on Facebook.
"He was and is a point of reference for those who fight for the rights of workers, for social justice and against inequality. His coherence and commitment remain an example of the best politics." Writes on Twitter the deputy and former president of the Chamber, Laura Boldrini.
The Democratic Party participated in the commemoration event held at the Flaminio cemetery in Rome. The delegation was composed of the deputy secretary Paola De Micheli, the parliamentarians Enrico Borghi and Francesco Verducci representing the groups of the Chamber and Senate.