Mattarella says corruption fight crucial

(ANSA) - Rome, June 1 - The Italian State must be "tenacious and unyielding" in its fight against corruption and criminal infiltration, President Sergio Mattarella said Monday in a message ahead of Republic Day. In his message to prefects, he urged them to focus on "preventing and eradicating" bribery and other crimes within the State, which he said threaten not only the "social and economic development of the country, but the principles of equality and the law on which the democratic system is based". Republic Day in Italy is Tuesday.