'Youth our priority' says Mattarella

(ANSA) - Rome, May 1  - Italian President Sergio Mattarella marked the May Day holiday on Friday by calling for more policies favouring Italy's unemployed youth.

"We can't do without young people, they must enter the system as protagonists," he said. Speaking at a ceremony for the Knights of Labor, the head of State said developing Italy's southern regions is essential to reduce the economic gap between north and south and promote equal and sustainable development in Italy.

Creating jobs is the nation's top priority, Mattarella said. "Employment is the top priority, we are not resigned nor discouraged," he said.

Mattarella also marked May Day by placing a wreath of flowers on a monument dedicated to Italians who died in industrial accidents.