Appreciated Speech by the Regency: Tracing the Course of the Semester
In their inaugural address to the Great and General Council, Captains Regent Denise Bronzetti and Italo Righi set a clear and ambitious agenda for the semester, emphasizing the importance of unity and renewal in San Marino's governance. They reaffirmed their commitment to leading the country with constitutional rigor and impartiality, highlighting the Council Chamber as the cornerstone of democracy and calling for respectful political discourse.
The Regency underscored the necessity of modernizing the Council's operations while maintaining thorough discussion and analysis. A key focus for the semester will be the Association Agreement with the European Union, which they described as a "historic milestone." The Captains Regent stressed the importance of involving citizens in this process, alongside prioritizing the voices of young people, addressing demographic decline, promoting ecological transition, supporting the economy, and strengthening the connection between institutions and citizens.
Particular emphasis was placed on vulnerable groups, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families facing difficulties. The semester is framed by a commitment to dialogue, institutional efficiency, and the promotion of San Marino's identity on the international stage. The speech received widespread support, including unanimous solidarity for officer Mattia Ceccoli, who was seriously injured in the line of duty, and for the Civil Police Corps.
During the session, various Secretaries of State provided updates on their activities. Industry Secretary Rossano Fabbri announced the initiation of assessments for the State to become a civil party in response to car scams that exploited the name of San Marino. Labor Secretary Alessandro Bevitori addressed the rising gas bills, attributing the increases to the surge in raw material prices and poor solar energy yields. He noted that while the maximum discount has been applied, there are calls for immediate interventions, as some bills have reached unsustainable levels of 1,500 euros. The issue of declining purchasing power was also highlighted.
Tourism Secretary Federico Pedini Amati reported on the positive reception of the San Marino pavilion at the Expo in Japan and shared encouraging tourism data for the early months of the year, despite the uncertain international climate.
A significant topic of debate was the potential acquisition of a majority stake in Banca di San Marino by a foreign group. Finance Secretary Marco Gatti clarified that no formal request has been submitted to the Central Bank, which will conduct the necessary evaluations. He also shared insights from a recent visit by the International Monetary Fund, which confirmed the stability of the Sammarinese economy, particularly in the employment sector. Positive data on securitization was also noted, with progress exceeding expectations. Gatti emphasized the importance of preparing for the Eurobond rollover in 2026.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Luca Beccari provided an update on the Association Agreement with the EU, detailing recent meetings in Brussels with European Parliament rapporteurs. He highlighted the significance of the provisional approval from the European Council as a crucial step in the ratification process, which will culminate in the signing and final exchange of instruments between the parties.
Interior Secretary Andrea Belluzzi expressed satisfaction regarding the inclusion of the manuscript "Vita Sancti Marini et Leonis" in the UNESCO Memory of the World heritage, proposing the creation of a documentary to narrate its story. Two orders of the day were filed: one by Domani Motus Liberi addressing the needs of young people, and another by Rf focusing on autism and school inclusion.
In conclusion, the Regency's speech and the subsequent discussions reflect a commitment to addressing pressing issues while fostering a spirit of collaboration and progress within San Marino. The focus on modernization, citizen engagement, and support for vulnerable groups sets a promising tone for the semester ahead.