Corato City Council Concludes Term with Emotional Final Session
The Corato City Council held its final session on May 15, 2026, marking the end of an administrative term that began amidst the challenges of a global pandemic. While the meeting served as a formal closing of the books before the upcoming administrative elections on May 24 and 25, it evolved into a poignant reflection on the human side of governance and the resilience of public service.
Closing the Administrative Ledger
The session focused on finalizing the technical requirements of the outgoing administration led by Mayor Corrado De Benedittis, who is once again running for office. The council approved several critical agenda items to ensure a clean transition of power, including:
- The 2025 exercise report (rendiconto).
- Budget variations for the 2026-2028 period.
- The recognition of specific off-budget debts resulting from executive sentences.
These approvals provide the necessary legal and financial closure to the current mandate, ensuring the city’s accounts are settled before the next administration takes the helm.
A Legacy of Resilience and Action
Council President Valeria Mazzone used the occasion to look back at nearly six years of institutional activity. She highlighted the daunting start of the term in 2020, characterized by the health emergency and sudden outbreaks that tested the city’s endurance.
“We started in a historical moment that was very difficult for everyone,” Mazzone stated, “but we proudly carried out our mandate.”
Mazzone emphasized that the council’s work went beyond bureaucracy, noting that approximately 540 resolutions were approved during the term. She argued that these were not merely administrative acts but measures that directly impacted the daily lives of the community. She further praised the democratic process, noting that the council was composed of “good people” who maintained their humanity even during intense political disagreements.
The Human Cost of Public Service
The most emotional moment of the assembly occurred during a tribute to two former council members, Gabriele Diaferia and Antonella De Benedittis, who passed away during their tenure. Mazzone identified them as the ultimate symbols of the council’s spirit.
She recalled their unwavering commitment to the city, noting that they refused to let illness extinguish their passion for politics. According to Mazzone, they remained present “with heart and mind” even when their physical strength failed, providing a lasting example of dedication to public service for future elected officials.
Defining the Democratic Ideal
In his closing remarks, Mayor Corrado De Benedittis thanked both the majority and minority for their contributions to the city’s democratic life. He drew a parallel to the philosophy of Norberto Bobbio, emphasizing the importance of elective assemblies as essential spaces for mediation and coexistence.
De Benedittis argued that complexity becomes a strength when confrontation is balanced, preventing social conflict from escalating into a breakdown of civil coexistence. This philosophy served as the final note for the De Benedittis administration as it officially concludes its term.
Key Takeaways: The End of the Mandate
- Technical Closure: All budget variations and 2025 reports were approved to finalize the administrative term.
- Legislative Impact: The council passed roughly 540 resolutions over the course of the mandate.
- Historical Context: The term was defined by its start during the 2020 pandemic and the subsequent recovery efforts.
- Next Steps: The city moves toward administrative elections scheduled for May 24 and 25, 2026.
As the council adjourns, the focus now shifts to the voters, who will decide the future direction of Corato’s governance in the coming days.