During the communications item of the Grand and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale), Dalibor Riccardi (Libera) spoke, opening with a tribute to Matteo Fiorini and reflections on the defence of democracy, and expressing solidarity with independent councillor Pelliccioni. Riccardi then turned to the political challenges ahead, starting with the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union, which he described as a starting point rather than a finish line, urging the majority and the Government to show greater courage in their decisions. Below is the full text of his remarks.
Dalibor Riccardi (Libera): To begin, I too naturally wish to join in offering my heartfelt condolences to the family of Matteo Fiorini, a young man I had the good fortune to know personally, first outside this Chamber and later within it as well. I believe those who spoke before me have already explained well who Matteo was, and so I too join in expressing deep condolences to his family. Matteo was someone who, in politics, fought for his ideals and values, first and foremost freedom and democracy — a democracy that is increasingly being put to the test, both within and beyond our borders. And here I want to broaden the discussion and try to explain more clearly what I mean regarding events within our own borders, because I believe what we have all read about what happened between independent councillor Pelliccioni and the political party she represented is, in my view, something that should give us pause. I say this because councillor Pelliccioni has my full solidarity, and I believe that if this is the idea of democracy held within this Chamber by the Domani – Motus Liberi party, then from my point of view this too represents a threat to democracy itself. I say that democracy is being tested, and here I pick up on a point made earlier by my colleague Matteo Zeppa in his remarks. When we see certain parties and coalitions aiming to reach government, both close to our borders and further afield, whose programmes speak of reaffirming “pure ethnicities” and, for instance, include school programmes targeting people with disabilities, I must honestly say it sends a chill down my spine. I believe this should prompt deep reflection, and that probably all political forces — even those who may think somewhat differently about the concept of democracy — need to reflect on this. I believe that expressing, within this Chamber, the values, ideals and principles that a political force wishes to uphold is a useful way to flag and highlight certain situations that, I repeat, in my view deserve reflection. We have all had the chance to rest during August, and I believe it is now time to get back to work. Here I think it is useful to return to my role as a majority councillor, looking at the challenges awaiting us between now and this winter, and indeed through to next summer. Yes, it is true, we are approaching the imminent signing of the Association Agreement, and I have said this many times before and I confirm it again: it is not a finish line, but a starting point, one that must be pursued with courage, strength and concrete action so as to conclude this passage and give shape and structure to a path that must see this country make the most of the conditions and opportunities available to it. It is a starting point, not a finish line. I repeat this once again because I believe it is an entirely useful and important point, and a reminder we must all take to heart within this Chamber, because this step will outlast the current majorities and the current Government. I therefore believe we must all work together to make the very most of this Agreement, because it is something we, as the forces represented in this Chamber, have strongly wanted, and it must now be brought to fruition in the best possible way. This Government and this majority have, I believe, shown concreteness and courage in many measures during this legislature, while on other occasions this courage and strength still need to be confirmed — both in the programmes and bills that will come before this Chamber, and in those already before us today. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to discuss this further, but I will say now: with regard to the family law, I believe a little more could have been done, and with a bit more courage, perhaps we could have reached an even more concrete and significant result. I will close, Excellencies, with a message of hope. That hope must come from balance, from the will to make choices, and from the courage that must always be shown, regardless of where one sits within this Chamber, without ifs or buts. I close because I believe this was also Matteo’s way of thinking, and so, in his memory, I renew my heartfelt condolences to his entire family.
