History of Sergio Mattarella

Sergio Mattarella, born on July 23, 1941, is an influential Italian politician and jurist, known prominently for his role as the 12th President of Italy, a position he has held since February 3, 2015. His story is one deeply interwoven with Italy's post-war political landscape, reflecting the country's turbulent transitions and evolving democratic fabric.

Early Life and Education:
Sergio Mattarella was born in Palermo, Sicily, into a family deeply embedded in Italian politics. His father, Bernardo Mattarella, was a significant figure in the Christian Democracy (Democrazia Cristiana, DC) party, serving in various governmental roles. Sergio pursued law and graduated from the University of Palermo in 1964, later becoming a professor of parliamentary law at the same university. His academic career, however, soon gave way to active political engagement, driven by both familial legacy and personal convictions.

Political Beginnings:
Mattarella’s political journey commenced in earnest after his brother, Piersanti Mattarella, then the President of the Sicilian Region, was assassinated by the Mafia in 1980. This tragic event galvanized him to confront corruption and organized crime, marking his entry into active politics. He joined the Christian Democracy party, which had been home to many centrist and anti-communist politicians of the post-war era dedicated to stabilizing Italy’s democracy and fostering economic growth.

Parliamentary Roles and Ministerial Appointments:
Sergio Mattarella was first elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1983, representing the DC. He showcased a commitment to transparency and reform, which earned him respect and various key parliamentary positions over subsequent years. His ministerial career began when Prime Minister Ciriaco De Mita appointed him as Minister for Parliamentary Relations in 1987. Afterward, under Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, he briefly served as the Minister of Public Education from 1989 to 1990.

A significant moment in his career was his role in shaping the Mammi Law in 1990, a legislative effort to reorganize Italy's broadcasting system that directly impacted such media tycoons as Silvio Berlusconi. It underscored Mattarella's engagement in media reform and his broader commitment to justice and democratic principles.

Decline of the Christian Democracy and Formation of the PPI:
The early 1990s brought a seismic shift in Italian politics with the Tangentopoli scandal, which revealed widespread corruption and led to the disintegration of several major parties, including the DC. Mattarella was among those who sought to reconstruct the political center, contributing to the foundation of the Italian People's Party (Partito Popolare Italiano, PPI) in 1994, aiming to preserve the Christian democratic legacy and adapt its principles to a new political era.

Return to Government and Role in the Olive Tree Coalition:
In the mid-1990s, Italy saw the rise of new political alliances, including the Olive Tree coalition, which combined various center-left parties. Mattarella played an instrumental role here, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense under Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema from 1998 to 2001. During his tenure as Defense Minister, he implemented reforms within the Italian Armed Forces, including suspending compulsory military service — a significant transformation towards a professional military force.

Constitutional Court to Presidency:
The 2000s saw Mattarella stepping back from active politics to serve in the judiciary, culminating in his appointment as a judge of the Constitutional Court in 2011. This role further cemented his reputation for impartiality and legal acumen, earning him cross-party respect.

In 2015, amid Italy’s ongoing economic struggles and political fragmentation, Mattarella emerged as a consensus candidate for the presidency. His election as President of the Republic showcased a national desire for a stabilizing figure capable of bridging divides. His presidency has been marked by his oversight during the governments of Matteo Renzi, Paolo Gentiloni, Giuseppe Conte, and Mario Draghi, where he played a crucial role in mediating Italy’s complex political parties and ensuring continuity amidst shifts in governance.

Mattarella's approach as a president has been characterized by discretion and a strong emphasis on the constitutional mandate, often employing his role to guide Italy through political crises and emphasize national unity. His presidency included key moments such as handling the fallout from the Brexit decision and Italy's recovery plan following the COVID-19 pandemic, both requiring deft negotiation and a firm vision for Italy's place in Europe.

Conclusion:
Sergio Mattarella's political journey is a testament to his steadfast dedication to upholding democratic values and legal integrity in Italy. His career spans crucial periods of reform, political upheaval, and social change, marking him as a pivotal figure in contemporary Italian history. Through the offices he has held, Mattarella has continuously championed justice, transparency, and unity, reflecting the values instilled in him from his early life while navigating the ever-evolving political landscape of Italy.