President George Manneh Weah has sent a congratulatory message to the Government and People of the Republic of Italy on the occasion commemorating the Festa della Repubblica of Italy, (the Republic Day) on June 2, 2023.
In the message to his Italian Counterpart, H.E. Sergio Mattarella, President George Mannah Weah, on behalf of the government and people of Liberia and in his own name, extended warmest felicitations and best wishes to the government and people of Italy as they celebrate this historic occasion.
The Liberian leader also prayed that, as the people of Liberia join Italy in the celebration of its National Day, the friendship subsisting between Liberia and Italy will continue to be deepened in the interest of the two governments and peoples.
According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader further expressed the hope that sustained cooperation in international affairs will remain crucial to the rules-based international order and global security in multi dimension, including health, agriculture, trade and capacity building.
He also wished for President Mattarella and his family good health and long life, as well as greater prosperity for the people of Italy.
The Italian National and Republic Day is the Italian national holiday that celebrates the day when it became a Republic on June 2, 1946. In Italy, it commemorates the referendum of 1946 when Italians were asked to decide what form of government, either a monarchy or republic, to give to the country. It was the first constitutional referendum after World War II and the fall of Fascism.
Until 1946 Italy was a kingdom ruled by the House of Savoy. On June 2, 1946 Italy became a Republic after 85 years of monarchy. Thus, the monarchs of the House of Savoy were deposed and exiled.