Tarantelli Remembered as Martyr of Ideological Fanaticism by Mattarella

Rome: President Sergio Mattarella on Thursday paid homage to prominent economist Ezio Tarantelli on the anniversary of his murder in 1985 by Red Brigades (BR) terrorists, saying he had been a “martyr” of ideological fanaticism.

According to Ansa News Agency, Mattarella reflected on the impact of Tarantelli’s work and legacy, emphasizing his role as a refined and passionate intellectual, open to dialogue and a supporter of economic policies aimed at social justice and employment development. The president marked the anniversary by expressing a deep sense of participation and closeness to Tarantelli’s family, friends, and those continuing to promote his research and thought.

The president highlighted that the Red Brigades targeted Tarantelli due to their ideological fanaticism, attacking him for his ideas and contributions to the country’s decision-making processes. Mattarella noted that Tarantelli was seen as a bridge between society and institutions, advocating for dialogue as a means to foster better development and strengthen social cohesion.

Ezio Tarantelli, dedicated to the university and students, became a martyr of democracy, with his legacy enduring in the Republic’s memory. The economist, who was 43 at the time and a leading adviser to the labor union CISL, was tragically machine-gunned by two men in a parking lot at Rome’s La Sapienza University after delivering a lecture. He succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the nearby Policlinico Hospital, with the attack being claimed by the Red Brigades group.