Mattarella and Landini attend CGIL 120th anniversary ceremony at Milan's La Scala

Anniversary gathering at La Scala

Italian President Sergio Mattarella attended the second day of events marking the 120th anniversary of the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) at Milan's Teatro alla Scala on Wednesday. The trade union confederation was originally founded in Milan in 1906 during its first congress. Mattarella entered the auditorium to a prolonged standing ovation from the audience, followed by a formal handshake with CGIL General Secretary Maurizio Landini. The Teatro alla Scala orchestra, conducted by Mikhail Agrest, opened the event with a performance of the Italian national anthem. A wide delegation of political officials attended, including Labour Minister Marina Elvira Calderone, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, Democratic Party Secretary Elly Schlein, Greens and Left Alliance leaders Angelo Bonelli and Nicola Fratoianni, and National Council for Economics and Labour President Renato Brunetta. Former CGIL leaders Sergio Cofferati and Susanna Camusso were also seated in the theatre.

Landini challenges defense spending

During the ceremony, Landini delivered a keynote address directed at the assembled state authorities, cabinet officials, and opposition leaders. His remarks focused on defense outlays across Europe, warning that growing weapons purchases divert capital away from essential public infrastructure and domestic welfare programs. Landini argued that resource reallocation threatens the viability of public institutions and social safety nets across Italy and the wider European Union.

The increase in military spending does not determine more security, but comes at the expense of investments in wages, healthcare, education, industrial and employment policies, and puts into question the stability of our social system in Italy and in Europe.

Following the conclusion of the stage program, Landini returned to the topic to urge a reallocation toward workplace protection and energy stability.

Stop weapon spending. We need to spend on energy security and workplace safety. Stop those who use war to defend their dirty market interests.

Cultural program and closing chorus

The ceremony featured a historical retelling of the trade union's 120-year history through monologues and musical interludes. Actresses Lella Costa and Angela Finocchiaro, singer Lodo Guenzi, and author Stefano Massini performed biographical readings chronicling the organization's labour disputes and structural development since 1906. The theatrical segment was followed by a dance performance featuring Martina Arduino and Mattia Semperboni, who danced the pas de deux from the second act of Giselle. Mattarella received a second standing ovation from the audience at the close of the event. After the head of state departed the auditorium, the remaining crowd gathered in the hall to sing the anti-fascist song Bella ciao.

Commemoration of Linate air disaster

Before traveling to the opera house for the trade union commemoration, Mattarella arrived at Milan Linate Airport on Wednesday morning for an official memorial gathering. The president met with representatives of the 8 October Committee to mark the 25th anniversary of the aviation disaster of 8 October 2001. The collision at Linate caused 118 deaths, remaining the fatal air incident with the highest toll in Italian history. The committee, established in the aftermath of the crash, works to preserve the memory of the victims and advocate for structural safety reforms in airport operations.