The President of the Republic issued a clear warning about the rise of hatred and extremism, emphasising the urgency of the situation: “Slogans, prejudice, and anti-Semitism are resurfacing. The lessons of history must not be forgotten.” Sergio Mattarella emphasised that peace, justice, and tranquillity at the international level can only be achieved through the unwavering support of institutions and organisations such as the EU, the UN, and the media.

President Sergio Mattarella, speaking at the Fan Ceremony at the Quirinale Palace, clearly articulated his message.

Anti-Semitism and Intolerance

The President issued a firm warning against the currents of hatred and extremism: “A widespread tendency towards irreducible opposition, intolerance of opinions different from one’s own, and reliance on superficial slogans and prejudices, among which the very serious resurgence of anti-Semitism, which also feeds on stupidity, is emerging.” This reflection intertwined current phenomena, social polarisation, and ideological dangers: “Today, many protagonists in international life aspire to be feared rather than esteemed and admired. The aspiration of many states—large, medium, and small—was, in the past, to be admired for their system and way of life; and, consequently, to be listened to and followed.”

History, a teacher of life

Aspiring to be feared rather than esteemed and admired may, perhaps, yield some immediate benefits, but it damages, undermines, and possibly even erodes trust, prestige, and authority for the future; and, therefore, stable and effective influence in the international community. History—a teacher of life—teaches us that, until we have succeeded in removing from international life the temptations to dominate other peoples, it is balance that prevents us from succumbing to the temptations of domination.

Rising Social Insecurity

Mattarella also highlighted the increase in social insecurity: “Many challenges are emerging, both new and global. Alarming and common enemies of humanity—of any country and political regime—have appeared in recent years and must be tackled and prevented with shared, inevitably global, tools.” Among these, one of the most concerning is “the growing polarization of wealth, with a tiny few holding massive fortunes, while not only are there large pockets of poverty, but there is also a trend towards a gradual decline in the prospects of most societies and young people in every nation, with a serious, severe increase in social insecurity.”

“Russia’s aggression has changed the history of Europe.”

The President recalled: “Finland has resolutely requested membership in NATO, of which it is now a member. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has changed the course of European history. That great country, in which we had placed significant trust within the European Union, has increasingly adopted a disturbing stance aimed at a clash of military power.” He then continued: “Russia’s aggressive posture in Ukraine: a stumbling block on the prospects of the European continent and its young people.”

Gaza, the abusive, violent occupation

The other central front at the centre of the President’s reflections is the Middle East, where he stated that “it goes without saying that the situation in Gaza is becoming dramatically more serious and intolerable day by day; and we hope that effective ceasefires will match the announced pauses.” In a heartfelt tone, Mattarella condemned the violence against civilians: “Errors have also been spoken of in the shooting of ambulances and killing doctors and nurses who were assisting the wounded, in the targeting and killing of thirsty children queuing for water, in the killing of so many hungry people queuing for food, in the destruction of hospitals, including the killing of children hospitalised for malnutrition. It is difficult, in such a chain, to see an involuntary repetition of errors and not recognise a determination to kill indiscriminately.” And again, a precise attack on the bombing of a religious building: “The incredible bombing of the Parish of the Holy Family in Gaza has been called a mistake. For centuries, from Seneca to St. Augustine, we have been reminded that ‘to err is human, to persevere is diabolical.’”

The President recalled the words he spoke during the Italian Republic Day celebrations: “I emphasised how unacceptable the Israeli government’s refusal to respect the norms of humanitarian law in Gaza is. It is inhumane to starve an entire population, from children to the elderly, and the abusive, violent occupation of territories attributed to the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank is serious.” Mattarella then sounded the alarm: “The sowing of suffering and resentment that is being produced, besides being unjust, contradicts every true need for security.”

Common Defence and European Sovereignty

Mattarella also issued a strong appeal to the European Union. “The countries within the European Union need adequate defence capabilities so that they can truly fulfil their intended role: to be an actor of security and a promoter of peace,” he stated. This urgency, for the Head of State, is also a matter of sovereignty: “A common foreign and defence policy, also to make the sovereignty of its member countries effective and not illusory, sharing aspects of its supranational dimension.” This exhortation is linked to global destabilisation, particularly the war in Ukraine, and the resulting disorientation. “These changes—so profound and unexpected—have caused understandable disorientation in public opinion. The skilful and perverse spread of false news and misrepresentations aggravates this disorientation.”

Defending Multilateralism and the Role of the UN

Mattarella cautioned against the crisis of multilateralism, worsened by efforts to delegitimise the UN: “The tendency, cultivated by many, to set aside the indispensable centrality of multilateralism” is also manifested “through attempts to discredit and undermine the role of the UN by highlighting the shortcomings and inefficacy of its actions: conditions that, to a large extent, arise from limitations and privileges created by the selfish pursuit of power by individual states, starting with the anti-historical right of veto.” Hence the question: “Would the world have been better without the UN?”

Media Freedom

There was also a critical reference to the state of public service broadcasting, in light of the new European Regulation on Media Freedom, effective August 8. “The picture presented by the Parliamentary Commission for the General Direction and Oversight of Radio and Television Services regarding the appointment of the President of RAI is disheartening,” Mattarella said. “Freedom thrives on the functioning of institutions, not on their paralysis.” A long section of the speech was dedicated to the crucial role of journalism in democracy. “The world of information is experiencing a period of rapid transformation. A transition must be designed that safeguards the function of independent information—and therefore of journalists who, in turn, avoid the temptation of self-censorship—by recognising and implementing its role in democratic life.” The President then reiterated the value of freedom of the press as a democratic safeguard: “The pluralism of opinions—a fundamental value—is not a substitute for free and independent information.