Italy’s lawmakers elect Sergio Mattarella as president

Sergio Mattarella, a constitutional court judge from Sicily who is seen as a symbol of Italy’s battle against organised crime, was elected Italy’s new president on Saturday. The 73-year-old Sicilian, who was backed by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s centre-left Democratic Party (PD), succeeds the hugely popular Giorgio Napolitano, who is stepping down because of his advanced age. Mattarella is little known to the public but is widely respected in politics after a 25-year parliamentary career and several stints as minister in governments of the left and right.

My thoughts go, above all, to the difficulties and hopes of our fellow citizens. That’s enough.

Newly elected Italian President Sergio Mattarella, speaking after his appointment

Renowned for his integrity, Mattarella entered politics after his elder brother was murdered by the Sicilian Mafia. Mattarella won 665 votes in the fourth round of voting by a 1,009-member electoral college, composed of members of the two houses of parliament – the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies – and 58 representatives of the regions. Now 89, Napolitano announced earlier this month that he was too tired to carry on in what is a largely ceremonial role but can become politically significant during times of crisis over the formation of new governments.

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