Berlin - In a stirring speech in the German Reichstag building, Italian President Sergio Mattarella recalled the horrors of the past and at the same time issued sharp warnings for the present. On the occasion of the National Day of Mourning, 80 years after the end of the Second World War, Mattarella painted a bleak picture of the current geopolitical situation.
He warned against the emergence of „new Dr. Strangeloves“ who would trivialize the nuclear threat. The President criticized the fact that the 1997 nuclear test ban treaty was never ratified by key countries such as the USA, China and Iran and that Russia withdrew its ratification in 2023. He said this posed the risk of opening a new „Pandora's box“ and „scrapping“ established treaties.
From „never again“ to „again“
Mattarella drew a direct line from the tragedies of the 20th century to today's conflicts. The „never again“ that became a maxim after the Holocaust is in danger of weakening, he said. „The ‚never again‘ is opposed by ‚again‘. War again. Racism again. Great inequalities again,“ warned the head of state.
The war is showing its face today in the undefended civilians: „That is what is happening today in Kiev, in Gaza.“ He reminded the audience that, according to the UN, over 90 percent of war victims today are civilians. Aggression is a crime and the sovereignty of a nation does not mean the right to attack its neighbor.
German-Italian cooperation as a model
Despite the serious words, Mattarella emphasized the power of cooperation. Together with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, he awarded the „Presidential Prize for Municipal Cooperation between Italy and Germany“. This prize recognizes town twinning that promotes dialogue and international understanding.
The ceremony also marked the 70th anniversary of the Italian presence in Germany, starting with the first „guest workers“. Steinmeier paid tribute to the deep friendship and emphasized the importance of working together to come to terms with the „dark chapters“ of Nazi crimes. Mattarella praised multilateralism as the „tool that cools divergences“ and as protection against the arrogance of those who place a ruthless „reason of state“ above the life of the individual.
