"I am old, will rest soon" Italian President meeting elementary students hints at not seeking re-election

Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] "I am old." The Italian president, with about 8 months left in his term, announced his intention not to seek re-election.

According to the Italian daily La Repubblica and others, President Sergio Mattarella said on the 19th (local time) during a visit to an elementary school in Rome to the students, "My term as president will end in 8 months," adding, "I am old. Now I will be able to rest within 8 months."

This practically implies that he will not run for a second term. President Mattarella, who took office in February 2015, has a term lasting until February next year. La Repubblica reported, "He chose children under 10 years old to express his refusal for re-election," and noted, "The hopes of those who pushed for Mattarella's re-election have disappeared."

During the meeting with the students, President Mattarella said, "When I was first elected president, I was worried because I knew how difficult the position was," mentioning two things that helped him: excellent collaborators around him and the fact that, according to the Italian Constitution, no single entity can decide alone. He emphasized, "The president must know and follow all of this to mediate various political proposals."

He cited the constitution as the most important law, especially highlighting Article 2, which contains inviolable rights, and Article 3, which embodies the value of equality. President Mattarella said, "We are all equal before the law. Regardless of skin color, ethnicity, we are all equal," and reiterated, "This is one thing that COVID-19 reminded us of. Everyone must wear a mask, and we are all equal." He added, "Helping each other is very important. If we help each other, we can live better," but also noted, "But when we become adults, we forget."

President Mattarella's statement about not seeking re-election immediately sent ripples through the political sphere.

Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right party Lega and a senator, expressed his intention to support Prime Minister Mario Draghi as the next president following the president's remarks. Salvini said, "There is no candidate for Quirinale (the Italian presidential residence)," and added, "If Prime Minister Draghi wants to be nominated, I will support him with confidence."

If Prime Minister Draghi resigns to assume the presidency, an early general election will be inevitable. The current parliament, formed in 2018, has about a year left in its term. Therefore, the analysis suggests that far-right parties, including Lega, pushing Draghi as the next president aim to increase the ruling chances of the right-wing coalition through an early election.

Moreover, within Italy, there is an assessment that no neutral figure bridging left and right is as suitable as Draghi, former president of the European Central Bank (ECB). Since political consensus on the next cabinet and president is difficult, local media reported that the possibility of President Mattarella’s re-election cannot be ruled out.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.