During the traditional exchange of greetings with the parliamentary press ahead of the summer recess, the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, reiterated the importance of freedom of information and the crucial role of journalists in countering distortions of reality.
In his speech at the "Fan" award ceremony presented by the Parliamentary Press Association, Mattarella emphasized: "Freedom of opinion goes hand in hand with freedom of information, that is, freedom to criticize, to illustrate facts and reality. In a democracy, the right to be accurately informed is also fundamental. Information is an antidote to the adulteration of reality. Working against these adulterations is a responsibility and a duty, entrusted first and foremost to journalists."
The President defined any attempt to reduce free information to fake news as a subversive act against the Republic. Recalling the Gonella Law that established the Order of Journalists, he reiterated that "the freedom of information and criticism is an inalienable right of journalists ," always respecting the substantial truth of the facts.
Mattarella expressed concern about the growing number of protests, intimidation, and attacks against journalists: "Information is exactly this: documentation of what is happening, without any obligation to compromise." The president also addressed international political issues, emphasizing how NATO has revitalized its role and leadership, thanks in part to the crisis in Ukraine. "Italy is committed, with conviction, to supporting Ukraine, along with almost all the countries of the Union and the Atlantic Alliance."
Mattarella strongly condemned violence against politicians, citing the attempted assassination of Trump and the attacks suffered by other political leaders. He reiterated the need to combat the culture of hatred that often thrives online. In closing, the president addressed prison conditions in Italy, calling them disgraceful for a civilized country. He shared concerns about the numerous suicides among inmates and emphasized that prison must not become a place where all hope is lost.
Mattarella launched an appeal to Parliament to elect the fifteenth judge of the Constitutional Court as soon as possible, stressing that the failure to appoint one represents a violation of the Constitution. Finally, the president highlighted the importance of digital platforms in the dissemination of information content, criticizing the tendency of their protagonists to shirk the duties that derive from it.
