Mattarella: Val di Susa events 'inadmissible,' violence 'lethal virus' for democracy

Italian President Sergio Mattarella has strongly condemned recent events in Val di Susa, labeling them "inadmissible" and a threat to the foundations of democratic coexistence. Speaking at the Quirinale ceremony, Mattarella stated that any hesitation in condemning aggressive behavior is unacceptable.

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What happened Saturday in Val di Susa is inadmissible: the very foundations of democratic coexistence are called into question and no hesitation or circumspection is acceptable in condemning and countering such aggressive behavior.

"Violence is a lethal virus for democracy and social life," he declared, adding that those who practice, preach, or justify it attack the Constitution. The President emphasized that resorting to violence because one's views are in the minority is unjustifiable, as it undermines the democratic will of the Italian people expressed through constitutional institutions.

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Violence is a lethal virus for democracy and social life. Those who practice it, preach it, or justify it attack the Constitution.

Mattarella also voiced concerns about the growing phenomenon of voter abstention, urging political parties to prioritize this issue. He highlighted the importance of respecting common rules and laws in an orderly society, warning that allowing individual behaviors to dictate legal standards would lead to the state's abdication. The President also touched upon the need for an effective European defense, stating it aims to guarantee peace rather than threaten war.

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It is not acceptable for the conviction to gain ground that, if one's positions are in the minority within society, the use of violence is justifiable, which attacks the free democratic wills of the Italian people expressed through the institutions provided for by the Constitution.