In a video message, Stefano Bonaccini, the president of Emilia Romagna region, announced that he will run for European elections as a candidate of the Democratic Party in the North East constituency. He highlighted the importance of the upcoming elections for the future of Europe and thanked Elly Schlein, the dem secretary, for her support.
In his address to the people of Emilia Romagna, Bonaccini shared his decision to run as a candidate and emphasized the significant responsibility he felt when he was first elected in 2014. At that time, the region was grappling with low voter turnout and economic turmoil caused by a recession and natural disasters. However, through concerted efforts, Emilia Romagna has emerged as a beacon of success in Italy.
Bonaccini expressed his commitment to continuing progress and emphasized the critical role that Europe plays in shaping Italy’s future. He underscored that there is still a long journey ahead but remained confident in his ability to contribute to shaping a brighter future for both Europe and Italy. He acknowledged that Europe’s power lies not only in its economy but also its cultural diversity which makes it unique worldwide.
He highlighted how important it is for all regions within Europe to collaborate on a continental level and work together towards common goals such as sustainable development and social justice. He urged Italians to embrace their identity as Europeans while keeping their regional pride intact. The president concluded by expressing his hope that Italians would rally behind him in this new chapter of his political journey and help shape a better future for all.
The president reflected on how much progress he had made during his tenure as president and how much more there is left to achieve. He acknowledged how much effort it took from everyone involved but stressed that it was worth it because they transformed Emilia Romagna into a thriving hub.
Bonaccini’s decision reflects not just his own personal ambition but also an opportunity to continue working towards greater cooperation within Italy’s north-east region and beyond.
