Schulz on the resignation of the President of the Italian Republic Giorgio Napolitano

“The resignation of Giorgio Napolitano i today, at the very end of the Italian Council presidency, is a strong symbol of his unwavering Europeanism.

Throughout his political career, and even more so during his presidency, President Napolitano has guaranteed stability, responsibility and guidance in Italy and Europe.

His firm-hand in the midst of the Eurozone crisis and his decision to accept a second presidential mandate to overcome the deadlock in a divided Parliament, are just two examples of his leadership and selflessness.

Europe has been a constant source of attention and reflection for President Napolitano. During the crisis he has lucidly diagnosed Europe’s social and economic problems and offered sensible solutions to re-launch growth and the EU project as a whole.

He has also been one of the strongest promoters of a political Europe. His speech in the European Parliament on 4 February 2014 remains a highlight of the previous legislature and one of the most farsighted interventions on the future of Europe ever-pronounced in the Strasbourg plenary.

President Napolitano steps down today, but his legacy will be everlasting, in Italy and in Europe.”