The incident occurred when government party members allegedly attacked an opposition 5-Star Movement MP after he tried to wrap an Italian flag on the shoulders of the minister responsible for the controversial regional autonomy bill.
“I do not believe that that indecorous scene that everyone saw and condemned played any role in the negotiations over EU top jobs, and I hope it will be a lesson for the participants.” said the Head of State.
Mattarella added that the ongoing EU negotiations on the top jobs - the heads of the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament - “must avoid fractures”.
He said this was the case “precisely because Europe faces a series of challenges that must be addressed quickly”.
Mattarella also commented on the EP vote which saw a surge for the far right.
“Democratic conscience demands that we always respect the voters’ vote,” he said.
“But it is important to remember that there is an inalienable character of the EU born from a pact of peace and democracy and from certain values.
“[These values] are the rule of law, social cohesion, the dignity of every person and the will for social growth.
“Whoever is part of it must always have them as a reference.”
ANSA
