The Municipality of Naples held a heartfelt commemoration for Professor Giuseppe Tesauro on what would have been his 82nd birthday. During the ceremony, Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto graciously presented a plaque and medal from the city to the Tesauro family, honoring his remarkable legacy.
«Today is his birthday – Lieto observed – a date of significant importance since it follows closely behind a momentous ruling by the Constitutional Court that impacts public life in our nation. Tesauro led an extraordinary life, one that profoundly influenced pivotal moments in our civic journey, and it is crucial that we celebrate this life as it serves as a guiding light for the direction we aspire to take as a society».
The plaque eloquently articulates the reasons behind this prestigious recognition, noting that Tesauro, the esteemed emeritus president of the Constitutional Court, was a «master of law, a true pride of the Neapolitan legal community, a passionate Europeanist endowed with vast cultural knowledge, possessing remarkable human virtues, a profound respect for the State and its institutions, alongside a deep awareness of social and political matters».
Reflecting on the impactful life and career of Tesauro was Matteo Lorito, the rector of the University of Naples Federico II. «When we contemplate the grand tradition of Neapolitan jurisprudence—also representative of the legacy of Federico II, which has produced three Presidents of the Republic, the only institution to achieve this – Lorito articulated – it inevitably leads us to Giuseppe Tesauro. His remarkable contributions, both within the walls of the University and beyond in the wider community, have etched his impact in history. Tesauro’s work was not only significant in jurisprudence but also paved the way for breakthroughs in the field of competition law and tackled issues concerning oligopolies and powerful entities with the meticulousness of legal frameworks because he embodied the essence of a thinker and a true advocate. He was a fighter – he concluded – who wielded the law as his weapon».
The ceremony was graced by the attendance of esteemed guests including Constitutional Court judge Filippo Patroni Griffi, the president of the Italian Association of European Union Law Scholars, Antonio Tizzano, and participated remotely by video link were prominent figures such as the professor from the University of Milan, Bruno Nascimbene, alongside the president of the Naples City Council, Enza Amato.
What were some of Professor Giuseppe Tesauro’s most significant contributions to the legal framework in Naples?
**Interview with Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto on the Commemoration of Professor Giuseppe Tesauro**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Deputy Mayor Lieto. This week, the Municipality of Naples held a meaningful ceremony to honor Professor Giuseppe Tesauro on what would have been his 82nd birthday. Could you share your reflections on the significance of this event?
**Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto:** Thank you for having me. This commemoration was a deeply moving occasion for all of us in Naples. Professor Tesauro’s contributions to our society and legal framework have been monumental. Celebrating his birthday is not just about remembering a great man; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the values he embodied and the impactful decisions he influenced in our public life.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a recent ruling by the Constitutional Court that occurred closely to this event. How does it relate to Tesauro’s legacy?
**Deputy Mayor Lieto:** Absolutely. The timing of our ceremony is particularly poignant. The ruling has significant implications for our nation, and Professor Tesauro was instrumental in shaping the very foundations of our constitutional law. By honoring him today, we are not only paying tribute to his past work but also reaffirming our commitment to the principles of justice and civic responsibility that he championed throughout his life.
**Interviewer:** The plaque and medal presented to the Tesauro family are beautiful gestures. What does it specifically commemorate?
**Deputy Mayor Lieto:** The plaque eloquently states the reasons for this recognition. It highlights Professor Tesauro as an extraordinary legal mind whose guidance played a crucial role in key moments of our civic journey. We believe it’s essential to honor such legacies, as they serve as guiding lights for the direction we aspire to take as a society. It’s a humble acknowledgment, but one that reflects our deep gratitude for his life’s work.
**Interviewer:** What message do you hope this ceremony sends to the citizens of Naples and beyond?
**Deputy Mayor Lieto:** My hope is that this event inspires a renewed appreciation for civic duty and the importance of adhering to the rule of law. Professor Tesauro’s life teaches us that enduring change comes from collective effort and unwavering commitment to justice. I encourage everyone to reflect on his legacy and strive to contribute positively to our society, just as he did.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Deputy Mayor Lieto, for your insights and for the commemoration of such an influential figure in our history.
**Deputy Mayor Lieto:** Thank you. It was an honor to remember Professor Tesauro and celebrate his incredible impact on our lives.