Mattarella lauds ex-premier Monti

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 7 - President Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday lauded former premier and former European trust buster Mario Monti at a ceremony honouring him as he left the helm of the prestigious Milan university he has also led, the Bocconi business school.
    Mattarella said pro-European ideals and stances had been a characteristic of all Monti's teachings as well as his political career.
    Saying that the Italian republic was grateful to the former European Competition Commissioner, who took over from Silvio Berlusconi at the height of the sovereign debt crisis in 2011, Mattarella said "the Republic commends my predecessor (Giorgio) Napolitano's decision to name him a life Senator" and called Monti "an exemplary educator and statesman.
    "Best wishes, dear professor".
    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, also present at the changing of the guard ceremony to Monti's longtime assistant dean Andrea Sironi, chair of insurer Generali, said that it was "thanks to you, dear Monti, that Italy has become more European". (ANSA).