Rome – President Sergio Mattarella commemorated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Vittorio Bachelet, a jurist and former Vice President of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law in the face of Italy’s “Years of Lead” – a period marked by intense political violence, and terrorism. Speaking on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, Mattarella lauded Bachelet’s dedication to defeating terrorism through the strength of Italy’s constitutional principles, refusing to yield to calls for extraordinary measures.
Bachelet, assassinated by the Red Brigades on February 12, 1980, at the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” represented a steadfast belief in the power of democratic institutions, according to Mattarella’s statement, reported by ANSA. The President highlighted Bachelet’s work to ensure that the Italian legal system, rather than emergency decrees, would be the primary weapon against the terrorist threat.
Born in 1926, Bachelet’s career spanned both academia and public service. He was deeply involved in the Catholic Action movement, first within the Italian Catholic University Federation and later as its president, advocating for the role of laypeople within the Church, in line with the directives of the Second Vatican Council. Mattarella noted Bachelet’s ability to “combine dedication to knowledge and research with active social participation,” a characteristic that defined his approach to public life.
The President underscored Bachelet’s commitment to dialogue and conciliation, qualities he described as particularly challenging to implement during a period of intense social and political conflict. “Bachelet always saw dialogue as a precious source of collective enrichment, as well as an essential tool for protecting the common excellent,” Mattarella stated. This emphasis on consensus-building, however, did not diminish his resolve in confronting the threat posed by extremist groups.
The commemoration took place as Mattarella participated in a conference at La Sapienza University, titled ‘Bachelet: man of the present, builder of the future – Vittorio’s civic and ecclesial commitment, a seed of hope 100 years after his birth.’ The event served as a platform to reflect on Bachelet’s legacy and its continued relevance in contemporary Italy.
Bachelet’s assassination, carried out by Annalaura Braghetti and Bruno Seghetti even as he was speaking with his assistant Rosi Bindi, shocked the nation. The immediate arrival of then-President Sandro Pertini at the scene, greeted by a distraught crowd of students, became a symbol of national grief and defiance against terrorism, as Il Sole 24 Ore reported.
Mattarella concluded his message by acknowledging Bachelet’s lasting contribution to Italian society, stating, “The Republic is grateful to Vittorio Bachelet for his work and his example.” The President’s remarks come at a time when Italy continues to grapple with the complexities of political extremism and the importance of safeguarding democratic values.
