“I believe that from the achievement of this goal, by this majority and this legislature, its relaunch can also begin.” This was the message delivered by Silvia Cecchetti (PSD) during the communications session of the Grand and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale). The councillor celebrated the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union, highlighting the diplomatic work of Luca Beccari, the cohesion of the majority, and the opportunities now opening up for San Marino.
The full speech by Silvia Cecchetti (PSD)
On Monday, a historic step was taken for the Republic of San Marino. These past months have been marked by tension, concern and anticipation, because right at the final stretch of this important historic milestone, private matters arose that caused friction and delays, putting at risk a result that was vital for San Marino.
This is precisely where I want to start, because now that the result has been achieved, it is necessary to acknowledge the work that was done — and to do so first and foremost with regard to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Luca Beccari, for his determination on one hand and his negotiating and diplomatic skill on the other.
He managed to maintain a balance that was not easy to sustain in such a delicate diplomatic passage, because he also had to combine it with the need to convey to the government and the Grand and General Council that sense of security and that conviction that, by staying united, we would overcome the difficulties that had arisen.
The second acknowledgment goes to the government, to this majority and to the parties that make it up — the PSD, the Christian Democratic Party (Democrazia Cristiana), Libera and Alleanza Riformista — for having stood firmly behind the government.
I believe this is the achievement of this legislature, which, let us not forget, began and found its composition, with the parties that today form the majority, precisely around this one great objective.
And so I believe that from the achievement of this goal, by this majority and this legislature, its relaunch can also begin.
A relaunch that must serve as a boost for this legislature, which above all must rediscover that trust and that ability to stay together in order to work on implementing the government’s program.
Another acknowledgment, however, also goes to the opposition parties, Movimento RETE and Repubblica Futura, for having supported the path toward association — which belongs to the country, to everyone — without giving in to the temptation to take advantage of the difficulties and contingencies that arose, and for continuing, beyond the day-to-day political events, to support this shared goal.
I also want to recognize the contribution of the social forces — first and foremost the trade unions, but also industrialists, artisans, merchants, entrepreneurs and professionals — who supported this path and who, through their studies and conferences, helped spread awareness throughout the country and civil society of what this new relationship with the European Union will mean and of its concrete effects.
Finally, allow me a special acknowledgment to my own party, the PSD, and to all the women and men who are part of it, as well as to those who are now in other political groups but who come from the PSD, because they were among the first to see and understand that our country needed to move toward Europe — first and foremost as a choice of democracy, even before being a political and strategic choice.
The PSD, Your Excellencies, like that child who, together with his grandfather, was mentioned in your speech, looked to the Moon with courage, without fear, even paying a political price for holding such an uncomfortable position — because it was visionary.
Your Excellencies, fellow councillors and citizens, today San Marino celebrates a milestone that makes us stronger and opens up a series of important possibilities for our country.
I think, for example, of the tools that the European Union will offer our citizens for the protection of their rights. I think of the opportunities granted to young people and entrepreneurs, of the possibilities for study and work, and of the chance to enhance skills and make our system more competitive.
I think of the start — and I hope it will happen as soon as possible — of overcoming those difficulties that currently affect our commercial and industrial system, such as moving beyond the T2 payment system, introducing the VAT system, signing the memorandum between the Central Bank and the Bank of Italy, and the evolution of our banking and financial system within the European framework.
These are all steps that can help make our system more competitive, allowing us to face the challenges ahead with new tools.
And finally, this signing also makes us stronger politically. It strengthens our political relations with other States and places us in a strategic position from which, I believe, we will be able to continue — and perhaps even more so — to have our voice heard.
So, colleagues, today is the time to get to work to help our country grow within the European family.
