ROME, Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (WNP): Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday paid tribute to the resilience and determination of the people of Friuli Venezia Giulia while addressing an extraordinary session of the Regional Council marking the 50th anniversary of the devastating Friuli earthquake.
Speaking in the presence of President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, regional authorities, and citizens, Meloni described the 1976 earthquake as a tragedy that claimed nearly 1,000 lives and destroyed towns, villages, and centuries-old heritage across the region.
She said the disaster, which struck on May 6, 1976, plunged the region into fear and despair, but the people of Friuli responded with extraordinary courage, determination, and pride.
“There was no time to surrender to grief. The people of Friuli rolled up their sleeves and decided to rebuild their land from the ruins,” she said.
The Italian prime minister praised what became known as the “Friuli Model” of post-earthquake reconstruction, calling it one of the most successful examples of disaster recovery in Italy’s history.
Meloni highlighted the role of former government commissioner Giuseppe Zamberletti, credited with laying the foundations of Italy’s modern civil protection system by coordinating emergency response through local municipalities, mayors, volunteers, security forces, and technical experts.
She said the reconstruction model was based on empowering local authorities, particularly mayors, to oversee rebuilding efforts while remaining connected to a coordinated national framework.
According to Meloni, the decision by Friuli residents to rebuild “where it was and as it was” preserved the region’s identity, culture, and historical memory while introducing modern construction standards and stronger seismic safety measures.
She noted that the reconstruction process was completed rapidly and transparently without waste or corruption, describing it as a model that continues to guide Italy’s response to natural disasters.
The prime minister also referred to the town of Gemona, one of the worst affected areas during the earthquake, which lost around 400 residents but rebuilt itself “more beautiful and prouder than before.”
She recalled how local communities prioritised rebuilding factories before homes and churches to restore economic activity and livelihoods, noting that within a year more than 90 percent of damaged businesses had resumed operations.
Meloni said the solidarity shown by Italians from across the country played a vital role in Friuli’s recovery, with hundreds of thousands of volunteers contributing to rebuilding efforts.
Quoting a Latin phrase, “Verba movent, exempla trahunt” — “Words move, but examples inspire” — she said the example set by the people of Friuli inspired the entire nation.
She emphasized that the Italian government continues to follow the lessons of the Friuli reconstruction model in assisting other earthquake-affected regions through structural reforms, faster procedures, preventive measures, and clearer legislation.
In the concluding part of her address, Meloni referred to the Friulian legend of the “Orcolat,” a mythical monster believed to awaken earthquakes from the mountains. She said local tradition also speaks of butterflies overcoming the monster, symbolising how ordinary men and women, though seemingly fragile, defeated destruction through determination and unity.
“This day is dedicated to those men and women who refused to despair and instead built homes, cities, and a future for the generations that followed,” she said.
Meloni stressed the importance of preserving the memory of such historic events for younger generations, saying national identity and collective consciousness are shaped by stories of resilience and sacrifice.
