“Bologna welcomed me, let’s give space to young people”

Former prime minister Romano Prodi receives the golden Archiginnasio today from the mayor of Bologna, Matteo Lepore, and the president of the city council Maria Caterina Manca.

“I thank the Mayor, the President of the City Council and the Councilors who voted for this recognition which honors me so much. Precisely because it was awarded to me by the City of Bologna to which I feel so deeply attached.” This is how the former president of the European Commission began his speech before talking about the “potential” he sees in the city of the two towers.

“A city where the average age of voters (thus excluding those under 18) is well over 60 and is approaching 70. It is therefore not easy for us, elderly voters, to be able to interpret the problems, needs and above all the potential of young people. However, this is our main task” explains Prodi. “We must direct – he continues – all our energy into interpreting such a different future. Harmonizing the great benefits brought by tourism with the new needs of the city is perhaps the most difficult challenge, a challenge that must be faced and won.” He concludes by talking about young people: “we must respond to the river of innovations that is arriving with a renewed ability to manage this world that cannot grow without creating space for young people. The new generations must be able to have the same opportunities that I myself found when I arrived here in Bologna.”

Statements on foreign policy

On the occasion of this ceremony in Salaborsa, surrounded by old friends, family and institutional and non-institutional personalities from all over the area, Prodi commented on international news events: “Today we find ourselves in the worst situation I could imagine, there is none in the world a point of equilibrium and there is not even an agreement between different points of equilibrium”.

“I hope that tensions will decrease – said the professor referring to foreign policy – ​​that Americans and Chinese will begin to talk at least by telephone, they are the ones who have the world in their hands. I hope that Europe can have its own voice, in all these conflicts there is no Europe’s voice and you can imagine my disappointment”.

Matteo Lepore’s speech

In his opening speech Matteo Lepore dedicated strong words to Prodi where his historical imprint in the European and city context is recognised: “Dear Romano, in some ways for some decades you have been one of the 12 doors of Bologna: the one we know to be open to Europe. Thanks to you – continues the mayor – several generations of officials, male and female scholars, male and female entrepreneurs, but above all citizens of Bologna and Emilia have become passionate about the European Union. They researched it, dreamed it, studied it and in some ways changed it.”

Maria Caterina Manca’s speech

The president of the Bologna city council read the official reasons for awarding the prize to the former prime minister.

“From his academic experience at the University of Bologna to the presidency of the European Commission, Professor Romano Prodi has been able to keep theory and practice together, contributing significantly to the growth of our country in many respects, not least in the pro-European and participatory culture to the democratic life of citizens. The compass of his commitment was the European values ​​of cooperation and solidarity, working tirelessly to strengthen institutions and promote peace through integration.”