On New Year’s Eve 2023, President Sergio Mattarella delivered a powerful message as part of his annual address, emphasizing the urgent need for social cohesion and responsibility as Italy transitions to 2024. His remarks not only looked forward to the continued challenges facing the nation but also critically addressed the severe conditions within the Italian prison system, which have come under increased scrutiny.
Marco Granelli, President of Confartigianato, praised Mattarella’s call to action, highlighting the importance of social forces contributing to the common good. "The words of the Head of State encourage us to participate in the collective commitment for balanced and inclusive growth," Granelli stated. He emphasized the role of entrepreneurs and businesses as key players in shaping the future, particularly through employment opportunities and by nurturing young talent.
Granelli’s comments align closely with what Mattarella outlined as the nation’s pressing social responsibilities. The President called for collaborative efforts to cultivate trust and address uncertainties looming over Italy’s future. He insisted on the importance of working together to confront these challenges head-on, rather than succumbing to division.
Yet, one of the most poignant areas of concern addressed by President Mattarella was the state of the prison system. Gennarino De Fazio, Secretary General of UILPA Polizia Penitenziaria, echoed this sentiment, stressing the alarming statistics reflecting the grave situation behind bars. "There have been 89 suicides among inmates this year, the highest number ever recorded," De Fazio said. This distressing statistic exemplifies the dire need for reforms within the country’s prisons.
The conditions revealed by De Fazio underline the failure of the current system to fulfill its predictive and rehabilitative roles. With more than 16,000 inmates exceeding prison capacity and staffing shortages amounting to over 18,000 vacancies within the prison police force, the systemic issues are clear. "These numbers reflect the unacceptable conditions and the dysfunctionality pervasive within the prison system," he added.
Along with these concerns, the report indicated over 240 total deaths, several violent incidents, and numerous escapes, painting a dire picture of life within Italy's correctional facilities. De Fazio insists these issues necessitate immediate and comprehensive reform, stating, "The Parliament and the Government must heed the words of the Constitutional Garante and open up serious discussions, devoid of prejudice, to implement measures necessary to restore civility and legitimacy to the prison system.”
These radical changes, he argues, should not only focus on reducing inmate density but also include strengthening health services for incarcerated individuals — acknowledging this as fundamental for reformation efforts.
Mattarella’s speech and De Fazio’s reactions signify how deeply intertwined social responsibility and effective governance are for Italy’s future. The President’s insistence on collaborative improvement resonates as the nation reflects both its past struggles and future ambitions.
Granelli's comments reflect the entrepreneurial community's readiness to answer this call to action. "We are encouraged to contribute our skills and strengths, promoting job growth and passing on made-in-Italy expertise to the younger generations,” he expressed, emphasizing the importance of this commitment to youth as the backbone of Italy's future development.
The challenges laid out by President Mattarella and echoed by Granelli and De Fazio encapsulate the complex dynamics at play as Italy heads toward 2024. From economic growth and social participation efforts to urgent prison reforms, the upcoming year is poised to demand collaboration and innovation from all sectors of society. It's clear: if Italy is to realize its aspirations for future stability and growth, collective action and commitment will be indispensable.