February 2022, Year XIV, n. 2
Stefano Bonaccini
Don’t Call Me Governor
Telos: Just as the English “premier” is not provided for – neither the name nor the powers nor the roles – under the Italian Constitution, likewise governors have no place in our system. In Italy, the only one who can boast this title is the governor of the Bank of Italy. Although not accurate and a reflection of how American terms have taken over the Italian media, don’t you think that the word “governor” describes well someone who, according to the word’s Latin meaning of “guide, ruler,” governs with great political responsibility?
Stefano Bonaccini: To be honest, personally I have never liked using the word “governor” for the role of the President of the Region. I don’t use it and I don’t think I ever will. You are right. It is a title that is foreign to our system that we have borrowed from the United States, where governors have very different roles and competences as leaders of federal States. I don’t know if I am a “guide”. I certainly feel a daily sense of responsibility and privilege as the leader pro tempore of a community as rich in values, resources and knowledge as Emilia-Romagna ...more
Editorial
“As a boy I dreamed of being a footballer. If anyone had ever told me I would lead my Region, I never would have believed it.” This statement by Stefano Bonaccini, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region for a second term, does not surprise us. Perhaps, deep down, many Italians have dreamt of becoming a football player, then, like Bonaccini, went on to play amateur football even into adulthood, turning into passionate fans (many) and international football experts (only a few). This passion often comes out even in his political rhetoric ...more
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