Lugano Hails Fabio Schnellmann as New President of the Grand Council

More than three hundred people took part last night in the celebrations organised by the City at the Centro Cadro Panoramica to mark the election of Fabio Schnellmann as President of the Ticino Grand Council. The Mayor Michele Foletti, on behalf of the City, extended his warmest congratulations to the first citizen in a video message: “Over the years of political commitment, Fabio Schnellmann has acquired a deep knowledge of municipal and cantonal institutions. A life devoted to active politics, a civic commitment carried forward with passion and a sense of duty to make our Ticino grow, placing the real needs of the community at the forefront. He has especially given voice to environmental issues, not to seek consensus, but because he cares about protecting our green heritage, which must be preserved with innovative and effective policies capable of enhancing it and returning it for the benefit of the population. I recall, for example, with what enthusiasm he fought against the pollution of the waters of Lake Ceresio, promoting debate on the planning and management of water resources and the responsible use of this precious asset.”

The President of the Council of State Norman Gobbi conveyed the Government’s greetings: “Rituals like tonight’s are a mark that distinguishes our direct democracy, and they are also a way to remember how small the distance is in our country between the electorate and the elected. Our direct democracy offers everyone the opportunity to be influential in real life. A political system unique in the world that gives us the opportunity to assert our rights and to be influential in the real world. The embrace of the community this evening seems to me particularly strong, and it could not have been otherwise because it is the embrace of a person like Fabio Schnellmann, who makes contact with people a daily practice even before it becomes a way of living politics. In life, as in politics, it is always people, with their goals and their ability to work together, who make the difference.”

The President of the Grand Council Fabio Schnellmann thanked those present for the affection, friendship and support shown on this special occasion: “Becoming Speaker of Parliament is an honour that moves me deeply; today I feel the weight of responsibility, but also the lightness of gratitude towards those who believed in me. The Grand Council is the highest expression of our cantonal democracy; it is there that different visions and sensitivities meet, always with a common goal: the good of our Ticino. In this new role I want to put the good of this Canton first, regardless of party affiliation.”

The guest of honour of the evening was cycling champion Vincenzo Nibali, among the few riders in cycling history to have achieved the “triple crown”, who conversed with President Schnellmann, himself a great sports and cycling enthusiast.

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