David Sassoli’s death leaves us dismayed. And the condolences move above all on Twitter, where messages of farewell and affection follow one another. Enrico Letta, secretary of the Democratic Party, writes that what he is about to write are words he “never wanted to pronounce”. And then: «For a unique friend, a person of extraordinary generosity and a passionate pro-European. For a man of vision and principles, theorized and practiced. Which we will try to carry on. Knowing that we will not be up to it. Goodbye David Sassoli ». Immediately after comes the comment of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen: «I am deeply saddened by the terrible loss of a great European and proud Italian. David Sassoli was an empathetic journalist, an exceptional President of the European Parliament and, above all, a dear friend. My thoughts are with his family. ” Von der Leyen’s gloss is in Italian: “Rest in peace, dear David!”
Farewell to David Sassoli, the president of the European Parliament who died at 65
The EU Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, speaks of «terrible news for all of us in Italy and in Europe»: «We will remember your figure as a democratic and pro-European leader. You were a clear, generous, cheerful, popular man. A hug to the family. Rest in peace”. the president of the EU Council Charles Michel says he is “sad and moved”, and then defines him as a “sincere and passionate European, his human warmth, his generosity, his conviviality and his smile are already missing. Sincere condolences to his family and to the people close to him ». Brief but effective the tweet of Dario Franceschini, Minister of Culture: “Hello David, a lifelong friend”.
Those of the head of the delegation of the Democratic Party to the European Parliament, Brando Benifei, are words full of sadness: “It is an enormous pain that can only be understood by those who knew you, loved you and who, like me, lived our experience together for almost eight years. . I can’t and I don’t want to believe it but we will have to do it, I don’t know how many tears it will take. Thanks for everything David, I don’t know how we’re going to do it ».
Again via social media, here is the farewell of Matteo Renzi, leader of Italia Viva, who speaks of him as “a passionate man, a convinced European, a servant of the institutions. I remember well when in 2009 I was in trouble for the ballot and he – just elected European parliamentarian – came to help us in “his” Florence. Rest in peace”.
From the front of the M5S the first message is from the former Minister of Education Lucia Azzolina: «A decent person has gone away. Great sorrow and condolences to his family ». To her is added the commissioner of the Chamber Francesco D’Uva: «In moments like these there are no words suitable for comfort. Today he leaves us a good person, a politician and a passionate journalist. A hug to David Sassoli’s family and loved ones ». A political opponent such as Guido Crosetto, founder of the Brothers of Italy, pays homage to him. “A dark and sad day. Goodbye David. You have been an extraordinary person, right down to the last second of your life. Thanks for everything. Many will miss you. Enjoy your trip, my friend”.