Statement by the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, on the 81st anniversary of Italy’s Liberation

Today, Italy celebrates the 81st anniversary of its Liberation.

The Italian people are commemorating one of the decisive moments of their history: the end of the Nazi occupation and the defeat of fascist oppression, which had denied Italians their freedom and democracy.

Today, we celebrate the values enshrined in our republican Constitution, which have enabled Italy to become what it is today: a nation recognised by all as being strong and influential, playing a leading role on the European and international stage.

Today, we echo the words of the President of the Republic and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring 25 April is "a moment of collective reflection and national unity". This is a hope we share, for it is from harmony and respect for one another that the nation can draw renewed vigour.

Today, in an era shaken by wars and increasingly insidious threats to democratic systems, we once again reaffirm that the love of freedom is the only real antidote to all forms of totalitarianism and authoritarianism - in Europe and across the world.

[Courtesy translation]