Pietrino Soddu, Seven-Time President of Sardinia and Pillar of Sardinian Autonomy, Dies at 97
Pietrino Soddu, a figure in modern Sardinian history who served as regional president seven times and spent over five decades shaping the island’s political landscape, died on Wednesday, September 16, at the age of 97, according to regional reports. Born in Benetutti in 1929, Soddu’s career bridged local municipal governance and national politics, leaving a mark on Italy’s regional administration.
From Benetutti to Regional Power
Soddu earned a degree in jurisprudence before establishing his political roots in his native town of Benetutti, nestled in the province of Sassari. According to CagliariPad, he initially served as a municipal councilor and mayor before expanding his influence into provincial and regional arenas.
His tenure in the Sardinian Regional Council spanned five legislatures from 1961 to 1983. During the historic era known as the stagione della Rinascita (the Renaissance season), Soddu served as regional assessor, participating in the phase of development of regional policies across the island.
Seven-Time Presidency
Between 1972 and 1980, Soddu held the presidency of the Sardinia region seven times, cementing his role within the Christian Democracy (Democrazia Cristiana) party during the latter half of the 20th century.
Following his extensive regional leadership, Soddu transitioned to national politics. He served as a deputy in the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Rome from 1983 to 1994, bringing deep-seated regional perspectives to national legislative debates.
Final Chapters in Public Service
Soddu’s public life did not conclude with his departure from Parliament. In a final chapter of service, he assumed the role of president of the Province of Sassari, rounding out a institutional career that exceeded fifty years of public administration.
Tributes poured in from regional leaders following news of his passing. Sardinia Regional President Alessandra Todde honored his legacy, stating, “Pietrino Soddu is a pillar of Sardinian autonomy and one of the most representative political and intellectual figures of the island in the post-war period,” according to CagliariPad.
Piero Comandini, president of the regional council, echoed those sentiments, noting, “With the passing of Pietrino Soddu, Sardinia loses a great politician, a noble father, a reference point for many generations of young administrators not only locally. A man who, until the end, placed his experience, his capacity for political vision and foresight, at the service of all Sardinians,” as reported by CagliariPad.
Final Farewells in Sassari
Public farewells for the veteran statesman are scheduled in Sassari. According to L’Unione Sarda, a viewing chamber will open Thursday morning in the Sciuti Room of the Metropolitan City Palace, which formerly housed the provincial headquarters. Funeral services will take place Thursday afternoon at 4:00 PM local time inside the Church of Mater Ecclesiae.
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