Quirinale: Laura Mattarella, role alongside my father a duty and an honour

Turin, 26 December (LaPresse) – ‘I only know that I have to be close to him: sometimes beside him, sometimes a step behind. The role of “first lady” does not exist in Italy… in ceremonial protocols, both in Italy and abroad, I am simply referred to as “Mrs Laura Mattarella”.’ This is what the daughter of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella said in an interview with Vogue Italia. Laura Mattarella simply emphasises the absence of any formalisation of her role and discreetly reveals the representative responsibility that accompanies her work alongside her father, a widower since 2012, considering it ‘a duty and also an honour’: ‘I have tried to maintain a completely normal life for myself and my family,“ she adds. ‘The women in my family have always been taught to think for themselves, to cultivate their own thoughts.” Regarding her participation in charitable and cultural initiatives, which she considers an integral part of her contribution to public life, she states: ‘I am delighted to be able to contribute to supporting good causes… Education, prevention, research and care are essential elements for the progress of society.‘ ’Kindness is not just a personal quality,‘ says Laura Mattarella in the interview, ’it is a path, a method of gentleness. We are not talking here about courtesy, formalities and good manners, which are often only superficial. But about a way of relating to what is happening and to others. It means explaining and listening, developing dialogue and respect.