He died this morning, Saturday 25 May, Massimiliano Pescini. Mayor of San Casciano from 2009 to 2019former coordinator of the Tuscan secretariat of the Democratic Party, was Regional councilor from 2020.
He was 49 years old. The disease consumed him quickly: he was admitted to hospital on March 26 after being diagnosed with cancer.
In Mercatale Val di Pesa (the place where he was originally from) and in San Casciano the disease was spoken of with concern, but no one could imagine such a dramatic outcome and epilogue. Self-effacing, friendly, pragmaticPescini has been a point of reference for politics in Tuscany in recent years, as emerges from the bewilderment and pain of the people who are mourning his passing online.
A life for politics
He had entered in the City Council in 1999 as a university student: with 150 preferences he was the most voted Councilor. He was group leader of the Ulivo from 2002 to 2004. From 2004 to 2009 he was councilor for schools, environment and local public services.
In the meantime he graduated in modern literature and completed a period of research doctorate, before working for a publishing house as an author, editor and proofreader. As mentioned, he then came to cover the role of mayor for two terms before leaving just 5 years ago.
He was one of the most beloved local administrators in the history of the Chianti area.
As first citizen, we remember his battles for the safety of the Florence-Siena road, his commitment to society and to schools. He was coordinator of the conference of mayors of the Florentine and Sienese Chianti from 2010 to 2013 and responsible for Anci Tuscany for land registry and local taxation. From 2009 to 2019 he was mayor of the municipality of San Casciano.
He joined the PD secretariat in 2018 and was responsible for local government until December 2020, when he was appointed coordinator of the PD secretariat Tuscany. In September 2020 he was elected to the Regional Council in the Firenze 2 constituency, an area that includes Chianti, Mugello, Valdarno, Valdisieve, Fiesole and Vaglia. He held the role of deputy group leader of the Democratic Party in the Regional Council and as commissioner of the first commission and of the European Policies and International Relations Commission.
Eugenio Giani’s condolences
Hundreds of reactions of condolence and pain are already multiplying from Tuscan citizens and representatives of the institutions. «You left too quickly dear Massimiliano, friend and companion of so much commitment and many battles. Always the figure – wrote the president of Tuscany, Eugenio Giani – for us of balance, dialogue, competence and determination in achieving the objectives we set ourselves but so profoundly human as to try to involve everyone in the interest of the community. It is a moment of deep pain for me, the reaction I feel is “it’s not right”, with you one of the best people in sharing this commitment is leaving. I mourn a friend and traveling companion who I will miss dearly, may the earth be light on you, Massi.”
Nardella: «There are no words»
The mayor of Florence also intervenes Dario Nardella: «There are no words to express the heartbreaking pain of the death of a dear friend and loyal colleague who leaves us. Always at the service of his country of origin and his land, he leaves a great void in all of us. I express my deepest personal condolences and those of the Municipality and the Metropolitan City to my partner Marina, to my family and friends, to the Regional Council and to the entire San Casciano community” added the mayor, who as a sign of mourning ordered that the flags of Palazzo Medici Riccardiseat of the metropolitan city, are placed at half mast.
The Regional Council did the same thing at Pegasus Palace.
Elly Schlein: «He was respected because he was correct and knew how to listen»
The words of dem secretary Elly Schlein come from Rome. «The passing of Massimiliano Pescini is very painful news for the entire democratic community. Massimiliano was an esteemed person, loved by his community, San Casciano, which he administered for many years. He was now a regional councilor, respected because he was always correct and available to listen. He is one of those people who has always embodied and made visible political commitment as a service. We are close to his family and his community.”
Renzi: «A serious and authoritative figure»
Condolences also from living Italy: «Matteo Renzi, Stefania Saccardi and all of Italia Viva Tuscany mourns Massimiliano Pescini, friend, good person and long-time traveling companion in politics, since his provincial days. I have many memories starting from that day of celebration in 2016 for the inauguration of the new Laira factory. From today politics is poorer because with Massimiliano Pescini a serious, authoritative, honest and passionate figure is leaving. We all join in the pain of our family and friends.”
Brothers of Italy: «Always correct and balanced man»
«We are deeply saddened by the premature death of the regional councilor of the Democratic Party Massimiliano Pescini. We do not lose a political opponent, but an always correct and balanced man. Our deepest condolences go to his family and to the entire regional group of the Democratic Party” say the group Brothers of Italy in the Tuscan Regional Council.
