The Head of State, Sergio Mattarella, turns 83 and the world of politics sends him its best wishes. Having ascended to the Quirinale in 2015, the President is in his second term, after a long career in the world of institutions. Son of Bernardo Mattarella (1905-1971), a Christian Democrat politician who was minister five times between the 1950s and 1960s, and of Maria Buccellato (1907-2001), both from Castellammare del Golfo, Mattarella was born in Palermo in 1941. One of his brothers was Piersanti, who in 1980 was assassinated by Cosa Nostra while he was President of the Sicilian Region. A photo by Letizia Battaglia, which has entered the collective imagination, portrays him with his dying brother in his arms in Via della Libertà in Palermo, a few moments after the murderous blitz.
La Russa, essential guide
“I extend my heartfelt birthday wishes to the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella,” wrote Ignazio La Russa on social media.
“An essential guide and a fundamental reference for the citizens and institutions of our Republic. My esteem and gratitude goes to him”, adds the President of the Senate.
Fountain, deep gratitude
“I would like to extend to the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, my most heartfelt birthday wishes, on behalf of the Chamber of Deputies and myself, with the expressions of profound esteem and gratitude.” Thus the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana.