Three years since Gianfranco Martini passed away.
I met him for the first time in the late 90’s, during a meeting of AICCRE, the Italian Association of Local Authorities. In that occasion, he told me about his decision to create ALDA, the Association that would connect the Local Democracy Agencies that were established in ex-Yugoslavia in the late ‘80s. Although we had different political views, an immediate feeling of mutual understanding rose between us, resulting from a shared certainty and commitment in promoting the democratic values that were- and are – at the base of Europe. Gianfranco was a convinced Europeist and he witnessed the gradual growth of Europe, through his roles as manager and president.
The 13 years at the head of ALDA were demanding but also stimulating, as our association grew and started to establish itself at an international level. He was a role model and a mentor for all of us. I would like to remember two qualities of his character that contribute to strengthen his image, a part from his deep commitment and the goals he achieved. First of all, his calmness. During the troubled meetings in our association, he was able to temper with his placidity all the difficult and critical situations, also the most unpleasant ones. He never lost his patience and this was probably facilitated by the respect his collaborators showed him.
Secondly, his irony: he had the ability and the intelligence to look at events and people, always finding a playful side; this allowed him to face adequately all the situations, including the most difficult ones. His jokes were never vulgar and they often closed his speeches in order to make them easier to be understood.
Those years were unforgettable, Gianfranco. And you are always with us.
Alessandro Perelli, ALDA Vice President.
Three years since Gianfranco Martini passed away.
I met him for the first time in the late 90’s, during a meeting of AICCRE, the Italian Association of Local Authorities. In that occasion, he told me about his decision to create ALDA, the Association that would connect the Local Democracy Agencies that were established in ex-Yugoslavia in the late ‘80s. Although we had different political views, an immediate feeling of mutual understanding rose between us, resulting from a shared certainty and commitment in promoting the democratic values that were- and are – at the base of Europe. Gianfranco was a convinced Europeist and he witnessed the gradual growth of Europe, through his roles as manager and president.
The 13 years at the head of ALDA were demanding but also stimulating, as our association grew and started to establish itself at an international level. He was a role model and a mentor for all of us. I would like to remember two qualities of his character that contribute to strengthen his image, a part from his deep commitment and the goals he achieved. First of all, his calmness. During the troubled meetings in our association, he was able to temper with his placidity all the difficult and critical situations, also the most unpleasant ones. He never lost his patience and this was probably facilitated by the respect his collaborators showed him.
Secondly, his irony: he had the ability and the intelligence to look at events and people, always finding a playful side; this allowed him to face adequately all the situations, including the most difficult ones. His jokes were never vulgar and they often closed his speeches in order to make them easier to be understood.
Those years were unforgettable, Gianfranco. And you are always with us.
Alessandro Perelli, ALDA Vice President.