During the traditional Ventaglio ceremony at the Quirinale, Italian President Sergio Mattarella emphasized the crucial role of journalists in democracy.

He condemned the recent aggression against journalist Andrea Joly by CasaPound militants, stating that such acts threaten the constitutional function of the press.

Mattarella highlighted that democracy relies on an informed populace, quoting Tocqueville, "democracy is the power of an informed people.

" He also expressed concern over the rising hostility towards journalists, linking it to a broader culture of hate.

Furthermore, he addressed the importance of accurate information in combating misinformation and stressed the need for a free press as essential to democratic life.