Sergio Mattarella, the President of Italy, recently spoke at a conference where he emphasized the importance of upholding the rules of democracy and ensuring that they are never violated. He described his role as both an “arbiter” and a “mechanic” who intervenes when the system is blocked, reminding all branches of government of their limits. In light of recent political and institutional turmoil in Italy, Mattarella discussed various issues such as the conflict between the judiciary and the government on migration, the Constitutional Court’s ruling on differentiated autonomy, tensions within political parties regarding the new European Commission, and external attacks like the one from Elon Musk.
As someone who spent 25 years in Parliament, Mattarella acknowledged his past political positions but emphasized the importance of the President of the Republic remaining impartial and setting aside personal opinions. He stressed the need for all branches of government to respect the rules and each other’s boundaries, as the powers of the state should collaborate rather than compete. As the head of state, Mattarella believes in upholding democratic principles and ensuring that democracy is not undermined by technology that spreads false information or limits critical analysis. He emphasized the role of journalism in certifying truth and highlighted the distinction between consumers of information and active citizens who engage critically with news.
During the anniversary of the Young Publishers Observatory, Mattarella highlighted the importance of a free, independent, and diverse media landscape, where journalists play a vital role in verifying information and challenging manipulation. He warned against the reduction of democracy through technological tools that may distort truth or obscure information sources. Mattarella urged young people to embrace technology and artificial intelligence as tools to improve society, combat inequalities, and promote sustainable development. He emphasized the potential of AI and other innovations to serve humanity and contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful future.
Overall, Mattarella’s speech underscored the significance of respecting democratic norms, promoting freedom of information, and harnessing technological advancements for the common good. He reiterated the need for all branches of government to uphold their respective roles within the constitutional framework, with the President serving as a neutral arbiter. By emphasizing the importance of truth, critical thinking, and civic engagement, Mattarella encouraged young generations to leverage new technologies for positive social change and sustainable development. In a time of political uncertainty and technological disruption, Mattarella’s words serve as a reminder of the enduring values that underpin Italian democracy and society.
