Before the Scala, six minutes of applause for Mattarella. And the public asks him for an "encore"

All standing for Sergio Mattarella. A very long applause, which seemed to never end, was given by the La Scala audience to the presiding judge of the Republic.

The Head of State, now at the end of his seven-year term, took part in the Prima della Scala in Milan. He arrived at the Theater, where the season begins with Macbeth, together with his daughter Laura and settled in the box of honor.

The conductor of the orchestra Riccardo Chailly raised his baton as a sign of greeting and respect, all the spectators stood up and - with the room lit up and the curtain closed - they gave him a long applause, lasting over six minutes.

Mattarella has also received numerous requests for an "encore", but the Head of State has said several times that he is not available to extend his seven-year term.

The mayor of Milan Beppe Sala, the Lombard governor Attilio Fontana and the Prefect of Milan Renato Saccone welcomed him with a handshake. The president of the Senate Casellati had also arrived shortly before him.

At the end of the applause the orchestra sang the hymn of Mameli.

“After Mattarella I would like a president like Mattarella”, said Liliana Segre. “Everyone is sorry that he is leaving, he is a truly exquisite person”, the words of Giorgio Armani. Sala defined him as a "great president for the decisions he made and for his humanity", while Fontana said that "we must all thank him".

(Unioneonline / L)