Pontedera (Pisa province, Tuscany, Italy), 30 April 2026 – Italian President Sergio Mattarella opened the “2026 Labour Day” celebrations with a visit to the Piaggio plant in Pontedera (Pisa Province), a symbol of Italian creativity and industriousness.
The decision to mark Labour Day at symbolic workplaces across Italy, which has been renewed this year, is now an established tradition, having been initiated by the President himself in Reggio Emilia in 2023, and having continued in Cosenza in 2024 and in Latina in 2025.
Upon his arrival, the Head of State was welcomed by Matteo Colaninno and Michele Colaninno, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Piaggio Group, respectively.
Together with them, he visited the factory workshop – the historic heart of the Group – observing the assembly lines and the various stages of scooter production, including the Vespa, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. The tour then ended with a visit to the Piaggio Museum.
Later, in the Museum’s auditorium, in the presence of local officials, the President took part in the event marking Labour Day 2026, which began with the national anthem.
“I extend my warmest greetings... to all those gathered here in this evocative Auditorium of this fascinating Museum, which I unfortunately only had the opportunity to see briefly. A particularly heartfelt greeting to the Piaggio workers, their families, those who work in the companies in the supply chain, and all those who work in this region, historically rich in manufacturing and creativity. An example of the connection between knowledge and productivity." Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.
Speakers at the event included Andrea Madonna, Chairman of the Pisa Industrial Union; Chairman Matteo Colaninno; Pamela Vanni, workers’ representative at the Piaggio plant; and Marina Elvira Calderone, Minister for Labour and Social Policies.
The closing address was delivered by the President of the Republic.
"Work shapes our being and our future. It helps us put down roots, making us architects, protagonists, and responsible for the society we leave to our children and grandchildren." Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.
Speech by President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella,
on the occasion of the celebration of Labour Day
and the visit to Piaggio company in Pontedera:
https://www.quirinale.it/it/discorso/intervento-presidente-repubblica-sergio-mattarella-occasione-celebrazione-festa-lavoro-visita-piaggio-pontedera
(Italian version).
(Source of news, photos and video: Presidency of the Italian Republic-Quirinale.it; Pontedera, 30 April 2026).
