President Sergio Mattarella stressed the urgency of peace in his New Year address on Tuesday evening, broadcast live nationwide.
“Never before has peace cried out its urgency,” he said from the Quirinale Palace in his New Year address. He referred to the Constitution’s vision of peace as an essential goal, stating, “The peace that our Constitution indicates as an indispensable objective, that Italy has always pursued, even with the important moment this year of the G7 presidency. The peace of which the European Union is an historic expression.”
Mattarella condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, adding, “Peace is not submission to the aggressor.” He highlighted the global rise in military spending, reaching $2,443 trillion this year. “Eight times more than what was allocated at the recent Cop 29, in Baku, to combat climate change, a vital need for humanity. A disheartening disproportion.”
The president also called for peace in Gaza, recalling the tragic death of a Palestinian baby on Christmas Day and urging the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
He issued a heartfelt plea for the return of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, detained in Iran. “I interpret, in these hours, the anguish of everyone for the detention of Cecilia Sala. We are close to her, waiting to see her again as soon as possible in Italy.”
Domestic issues in the New Year address
Addressing domestic challenges, Mattarella decried prison suicides, femicides, the brain drain of young talent, rising youth violence, and inadequate healthcare access. “Science, research, and new technologies open up possibilities unimaginable until recently for the treatment of diseases considered incurable. At the same time, there are long waiting lists for tests that, if timely, can save lives. Many people give up treatment and medicine because they lack the necessary means.”
The president praised medical staff, prison workers, teachers, and the armed forces. He referred to immigrants embracing constitutional values as “patriots”. He also stated, “All workplace deaths must be averted.”
He concluded by linking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation to Italy’s foundation as a republic. “We are called to consolidate and develop the reasons set by the Constitution at the basis of the national community. It is an undertaking that is passed down from one generation to the next.”
Ending his 15-minute speech, Mattarella declared, “Hope cannot be translated only into idle waiting. We are hope. Our commitment. Our freedom. Our choices.”
