Vasco Errani, born on May 17, 1955, in Massa Lombarda, Ravenna, Italy, is a prominent Italian politician known for his long tenure as the President of the Emilia-Romagna region and his significant role in Italian politics. His career spans several decades, during which he has held various influential positions, including his involvement in the aftermath of the 2016 Central Italy earthquake as the government’s Extraordinary Commissioner for reconstruction. Errani’s journey from a local politician in Ravenna to a key figure in Italian regional and national politics is marked by his commitment to public service, resilience in the face of challenges, and his influence within the broader political landscape of Italy.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Vasco Errani grew up in a politically engaged environment, which laid the groundwork for his future in politics. During the 1970s, he became a member of the Italian Communist Party (PCI), a dominant force in Italian politics at the time, especially in regions like Emilia-Romagna. His early political career saw him serving as a city councilor in Ravenna in the early 1980s, where he began to build his reputation as a dedicated and effective public servant.
In 1992, Errani was appointed as the Councilor for Economic Activities in Ravenna, a position he held for a brief period. This role marked his initial foray into executive responsibilities within the local government, allowing him to gain valuable experience in public administration and governance.
Rise in Regional Politics
Vasco Errani’s political career took a significant turn in 1995 when he was elected to the Regional Council of Emilia-Romagna. This election marked the beginning of his deep involvement in regional politics, where he would eventually leave a lasting legacy. In the regional government, Errani quickly rose through the ranks, first serving as Undersecretary to the President in Pier Luigi Bersani’s administration. His role involved coordinating various governmental functions and laying the foundation for his future leadership.
In 1997, Errani was appointed as the Regional Councilor for Tourism under the administration of Antonio La Forgia. His tenure in this position was marked by efforts to promote Emilia-Romagna as a key tourist destination in Italy, leveraging the region’s rich cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and scenic landscapes. This period helped solidify his reputation as an effective leader capable of managing complex portfolios.
Presidency of Emilia-Romagna
In 1999, Vasco Errani’s political career reached a new height when he was elected President of the Emilia-Romagna region by the Regional Council. His leadership was immediately tested as he sought to manage a coalition of center-left parties, including the Democrats of the Left (DS), Italian Republican Party (PRI), Greens, Communist Refoundation, and the Italian People’s Party (PPI). Despite the challenges of leading such a diverse coalition, Errani successfully secured his position and began implementing his vision for the region.
Errani’s first election as President of Emilia-Romagna came in 2000, where he led a broad center-left coalition to victory, winning over 54% of the vote. His main opponent was Gabriele Canè, a journalist and former director of the Quotidiano Nazionale, who was backed by the center-right coalition, including the Northern League, Forza Italia, the Christian Democratic Center (CCD), and the National Alliance. Errani’s victory was a testament to his ability to unite various political factions and effectively communicate his vision for the region.
During his first term, Errani focused on strengthening Emilia-Romagna’s economic and social infrastructure, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and social welfare. His administration was noted for its efforts to improve public services, support local businesses, and promote environmental sustainability. These initiatives contributed to Emilia-Romagna’s reputation as one of Italy’s most prosperous and well-governed regions.
In 2005, Errani ran for re-election and won with an even larger margin, securing nearly 63% of the vote. His opponent, Carlo Monaco, representing the center-right coalition, received just over 35% of the vote. This landslide victory further solidified Errani’s position as a dominant political figure in Emilia-Romagna.
National Influence and Challenges
Beyond his role in Emilia-Romagna, Vasco Errani also played a significant role on the national stage. In 2005, he was appointed as the President of the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, an organization responsible for coordinating the actions of Italy’s regional governments. In this capacity, Errani worked to advocate for regional interests at the national level, promoting greater decentralization and autonomy for Italy’s regions.
Errani’s influence within the center-left Democratic Party (PD) also grew during this time. In 2009, then-party secretary Dario Franceschini appointed Errani to the national secretariat of the PD, recognizing his leadership and political acumen. As a member of the national committee, Errani was involved in shaping the party’s policies and strategies during a critical period in Italian politics.
In 2010, Errani sought a third term as President of Emilia-Romagna, a decision that sparked controversy due to a law that limited regional presidents to two consecutive terms. However, Errani’s candidacy was ultimately allowed, and he won re-election with over 52% of the vote. His opponent, Anna Maria Bernini, a deputy and vice spokesperson for the People of Freedom (PdL) party, was unable to overcome Errani’s strong base of support in the region.
Despite his electoral success, Errani’s third term was marred by legal challenges and accusations of misconduct. In 2012, the Bologna prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into a case involving Errani’s brother, Giovanni Errani, who was accused of aggravated fraud related to a one million euro grant for the construction of an agricultural facility. Vasco Errani was implicated in the investigation for allegedly providing false information to the magistrate investigating the case.
Errani chose to undergo an expedited trial, hoping to clear his name. Although he was initially acquitted, the prosecutor appealed the decision, and in July 2014, the Court of Appeal sentenced Errani to one year in prison, with the sentence suspended. In response to this conviction, Errani resigned from his position as President of Emilia-Romagna, a move that underscored his commitment to maintaining the integrity of his office.
Errani continued to fight the charges, and in 2016, the Court of Cassation overturned his conviction, ruling that the charges did not constitute a crime. This legal victory allowed Errani to restore his reputation and reaffirm his commitment to public service.
Role in the 2016 Central Italy Earthquake Reconstruction
In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck Central Italy in 2016, Vasco Errani was appointed as the government’s Extraordinary Commissioner for the reconstruction of the affected areas. The earthquakes, which severely impacted regions like Lazio, Umbria, and Marche, left thousands of people displaced and caused significant damage to infrastructure and historic buildings.
Errani’s appointment was met with mixed reactions. Supporters praised his experience and leadership abilities, while critics, particularly from the political opposition, questioned his effectiveness in managing previous disaster recovery efforts in Emilia-Romagna following the 2012 earthquake. Additionally, some saw his appointment as a political move by then-Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to neutralize internal opposition within the Democratic Party, as Errani was known to be a close ally of Pier Luigi Bersani, a prominent figure within the party who opposed Renzi’s leadership.
Despite the controversies, Errani took on the challenging task of coordinating the reconstruction efforts in Central Italy. His work involved managing the allocation of resources, coordinating with local and national authorities, and ensuring that the reconstruction process was carried out efficiently and transparently. While the reconstruction efforts faced numerous challenges, including bureaucratic delays and logistical difficulties, Errani’s leadership was crucial in guiding the region through a difficult period of recovery.
Legacy and Impact on Italian Politics
Vasco Errani’s long and distinguished career in Italian politics has left a lasting impact on both Emilia-Romagna and the broader Italian political landscape. His tenure as President of Emilia-Romagna is remembered for the region’s economic growth, social stability, and strong public services. Under his leadership, Emilia-Romagna became a model for other Italian regions in terms of governance, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Errani’s role in national politics, particularly as the President of the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, highlighted his commitment to regional autonomy and his belief in the importance of decentralization in Italian governance. His work in this area helped to strengthen the role of regions in the Italian political system and provided a platform for regional leaders to have a greater voice in national decision-making.
Errani’s legacy is also marked by his resilience in the face of legal and political challenges. Despite the controversies and legal battles that marked the later years of his career, Errani remained committed to public service and maintained his integrity throughout. His eventual acquittal and return to public life demonstrated his determination to clear his name and continue contributing to Italian politics.
Conclusion
Vasco Errani’s career is a testament to his dedication to public service and his deep commitment to the people of Emilia-Romagna and Italy as a whole. From his early days as a city councilor in Ravenna to his leadership in the aftermath of the Central Italy earthquake, Errani has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and manage significant challenges.
As a three-time President of Emilia-Romagna and a key figure in Italian regional and national politics, Errani’s influence has been felt across Italy. His legacy is one of strong leadership, effective governance, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of regional autonomy and social justice. As Italy continues to face new challenges, Vasco Errani’s contributions to the country’s political and social fabric will remain an important part of its history.
