Dear Piero, Luigi, Giuliano, Virginio and Gianni,
These latest local elections, particularly the high turnout and attention from the media and citizens, demonstrate how the roles of mayors of Italy's large and small cities are crucial to renewing politics and addressing the major challenges posed by being one of the founding members of the European Union.
As early as 1993, what was called the "Mayors' Movement" represented the desire and need for change in our country. A desire for change that, with the subsequent escalation of conflict at the national level, slipped off the country's priority agenda. Today, we find ourselves faced with an Italy that all too often places itself at the rear of the transformation underway in European society. Starting with the citizenship rights of all, and of the LGBT community in particular.
This decline in Italian society and politics can and must be addressed, starting with you, the mayors of Italy's major cities. From Rome, where Europride 2011 is taking place, thanks also to the collaboration of the Regional Council. From Naples, Milan, Turin, and Bologna, which today represent a political and cultural innovation that sparks new hopes and expectations. Starting precisely with a society founded on the rights of all citizens.
Dear Mayors, we invite you to engage with us. To meet and listen to us as we will listen to you. Here, during Europride, the largest and most important event of the European LGBT movement. In front of Italian citizens and citizens from across the continent who are watching how you will implement the renewal policies that are now at the center of political debate, not only nationally.
This is the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. Let us, together, ensure that this is the first of a journey toward true unity among citizens, among the people. Equal rights, equal protection.
Ours is not a ritual invitation. Ours is a plea that this time not be another missed opportunity.
