Mario Paglialunga, Leading Italian Socialist, Dies at 69
The world of Marche politics is in mourning following the unexpected death of Mario Paglialunga, 69, regional secretary of the Italian Socialist Party (PSI). Found deceased in his home in recent days, Paglialunga’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the political spectrum.
Paglialunga, a lifelong socialist, was actively engaged in regional politics at the time of his death, with a PSI board meeting scheduled to open on Friday, November 28th. He previously served as a councilor and deputy mayor in Fabriano, a city known as the “City of Paper,” and recently led the centre-left “Avanti” list in this summer’s regional elections.
The news has left colleagues and friends stunned. “It is with immense pain,” a representative of the PSI Marche wrote on Facebook, posting a photo of a carnation symbolizing mourning, “that I announce to all my comrades the passing of our regional secretary Mario Paglialunga. Personally, I lose a friend and a party comrade, a great void.” Details surrounding the circumstances of his death remain limited at this time.
Matteo Ricci, a Member of the European Parliament and a candidate for regional president supported by Paglialunga, expressed his condolences, stating that Paglialunga “was a man who always gave everything for politics and the community.” Ricci recalled the pleasure of working alongside him during the recent election campaign, praising his “commitment, passion, and ideals.”
Tributes also came from Bobo Craxi, son of former Italian Prime Minister Bettino Craxi, who remembered Paglialunga’s “brotherhood and friendship” during the electoral campaign. Craxi emphasized Paglialunga’s “intellectual honesty, reformist education, and humanity,” adding that he will be deeply missed by socialists in the Marche region.
Daniele Carnevali, president of the Province of Ancona and a fellow member of the PSI, described Paglialunga as a politician of a bygone era – “capable, serious, and with a lot of passion.” Carnevali recounted a recent board meeting where Paglialunga had offered his resignation following the regional election results, but the board unanimously rejected it. He highlighted Paglialunga’s dedication to engaging young people in politics, noting his pride in building a list of young candidates for the recent elections. “For him, young people involved in politics were a sign of hope for the future,” Carnevali said. He also lauded Paglialunga’s commitment to reformism and his ability to unite diverse political forces.
A final farewell for Mario Paglialunga will be held at the Bondoni funeral home in Fabriano, beginning Friday, December 5th, at 11:00 AM. The funeral service will take place at the Cathedral of San Venanzio in Fabriano on Saturday at 4:15 PM. The Marche PSI has requested that those wishing to honor Paglialunga’s memory wear a red carnation.
