Mattarella Urges Political Calm, Warns Against Tailoring Laws

Italian President Sergio Mattarella has issued a strong appeal to political forces, urging them to lower the temperature of their daily clashes and foster mutual respect. Speaking to journalists before the summer break, Mattarella characterized violence as a "lethal virus for democracy and social life." He stressed that political tensions are "rather untimely" and distract from the pressing issues affecting Italians' daily lives. The president emphasized his role as an impartial arbiter, separate from the political dialectic, and called for a focus on substantive problems rather than just the rules of engagement.

Mattarella specifically cautioned the government against the temptation to "adapt" laws on a case-by-case basis, particularly in response to public outcry or media attention. He referenced the controversial case of Mario Roggero, who is seeking a presidential pardon, and the violence involving No Tav activists in Val di Susa. The president made it clear that laws should not be tailored to individual situations, warning against "self-made justice" and the "anything goes" attitude towards public authority actions. He reiterated that presidential pardons cannot serve as a third level of judgment to overturn judicial decisions.

The head of state also implicitly addressed the growing issue of voter abstention, urging political parties to reflect on this trend. While maintaining his distance from judging specific government initiatives or legislative proposals before they reach his desk, Mattarella indicated that his role involves highlighting needs and encouraging reflection. He urged politicians to engage in constructive dialogue, free from "unmotivated and counterproductive verbal aggression," to better serve the country's needs.

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le tensioni elettorali piuttosto intempestive e pensano che tolgano attenzione ai problemi che riguardano la vita quotidiana dei nostri concittadini