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".
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