«I will resign one minute after the G7 for science and technology takes place in Bologna, out of respect for this international event which honors Bologna and Emilia-Romagna». Thus Stefano Bonaccini speaking today at the legislative assembly of the Emilia Romagna region. «And in these two weeks, as announced, we will close all the documents that will ensure all the measures, financing and rules are in place for the next few months of weakening of powers so that there are no gaps and slowdowns». «They have been 10 complicated years, if we think that we went through the tragedy of the earthquake and its reconstruction, the pandemic, which the world had not known for a century and last year’s flood. But it has also been 10 years that they have seen this region stronger than before. I don’t know in how many other situations, after a devastating earthquake, a deadly pandemic and a terrible flood, the same thing could be said: stronger than before”, underlines Bonaccini.
«They have been tiring and complicated years, but also of great satisfaction. There have been international and national recognitions, and being able to close my experience by going to see the first 3 stages of the Tour de France, with 2 million people expected on the roads, is an enormous satisfaction. A few days later, being able to close my experience as president of the Region with the G7 is a satisfaction I would never have believed. Even from a political point of view. In the last 3 years, the centre-left has gone from governing 6 out of 10 to 8 out of 10 capitals. In the last 3 years from 8 to 12 out of 12 cities with over 30 thousand inhabitants. The very result of my preferences is a recognition not so much of me, but of the work done together in recent years.”
«But this is part of it. This is due to the women and men who have worked with me in the two councils in these 10 years, who in many cases have made up for my mistakes and defects. And then – said Bonaccini – it is due to the majority that supported me with great loyalty in these 2 mandates and if there is one thing that can be taken as a reward, I don’t know in Italy in how many cases there has never been even one half a day of crisis. I also thank the M5s who, despite not having governed with me, did not even lack votes in some measures that they considered right. But these results are owed to thousands of women and men, managers and employees of this Region, who, despite passing through administrations, guarantee a level of quality of work that has few equals in Italy and Europe. They helped us and accompanied us in dramatic moments, my gratitude goes to them. For my part, I have tried to serve this region as best as possible. I must thank this assembly because the quality of the debate was one of civility and respect with few equals. You can even have opposing ideas, but have the intelligence and education to never exceed or go beyond them. Even when we disagreed, I have no doubt that you worked to do what was best for the community. Only I regret the accusation that I am running away. It’s a bit difficult. I may have made a mistake, but in these 10 years no one can say that I haven’t put in all the effort and sacrifice that I could. These 10 years, if these results have been obtained, it is also because there are those from Emilia-Romagna who, even in the face of tragedies, roll up their sleeves and complain little. When someone falls, in Emilia Romagna the moment he gets up he turns back and sees if there is someone to reach out to. Dear Emilia-Romagna, serving you was a privilege, it was an honor. To you as an institution and to our people, I have tried to be there, I am there and I will always be there.”
