A Milanese Through and Through: Remembering Paolo Pillitteri
Paolo Pillitteri, the socialist mayor of Milan from 1982 to 1992, has died at the age of 84. Remembered for his leadership and passion for his city, Pillitteri, a renowned film critic by profession, was known for his shrewdness and dedication to the people of Milan.
Pillitteri’s story begins with a twist of fate. His journey was anything but planned. He never intended to be a journalist or enter politics. Life, however, had other plans, leading him to become the mayor of Milan during a tumultuous period in Italian history. The ” Clean Hands” scandal and the subsequent decade-long trials marked Italy, scattering the truth amidst a political landscape in disruption.
Yet, amidst the chaos, Pillitteri emerged as a unifying figure, a man who held fast to his principles and built bridges instead of walls.
Ultimately, more than his political career, Pillitteri was a storyteller. His passion was film, nurtured from a young age. His father, a former partisan leader and carabiniere, gifted him a 16mm movie camera – a treasure that sparked a lifelong love affair with cinema.
Pillitteri’s journey began not beneath the spotlight but behind it – as a critic and documentary filmmaker. He chased the world through the lens, fascinated by the magic of storytelling.
“It seemed like a dream come true,” he once told a journalist.
He weaved his way through interviews with cinematic giants like Fellini and Truffaut at international festivals in Moscow and Cannes.
“I envied Umar. He considered the Starlings, which put ratings like this!” He laughed, recalling the man who placed a little star rating next to each film review, declaring whether or not it was worth watching.
He found love in Milan. Pillitteri crossed paths with Rosilde, Craxi’s sister. It was a slow burn – their romance blossoming amidst notes and reels deferisju to marry she asked with
“You are my world,” he told her. “You gave me everything. I was always second to you.
Oddly during those years as film critic Pillitteri was called upon to join the political fray – not
for film but for politics. He was recruited to join Avanti!, the newspaper associated with the Socialist party.
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“What is it about roaming around. ”
“What is it about this life.
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What were some of the key challenges Paolo Pillitteri faced as mayor of Milan during the “Clean Hands” scandal?
## A Milanese Through and Through: Remembering Paolo Pillitteri
**Host:** Here with us today is Dr. Marco Bianchi, a historian specializing in Italian political history, and a longtime resident of Milan. Dr. Bianchi, Paolo Pillitteri passed away yesterday at the age of 84. He served as Milan’s mayor during a particularly turbulent period in Italian history. What can you tell us about his legacy?
**Dr. Bianchi:** Paolo Pillitteri was a true Milanese, through and through. While he achieved success as a film critic, fate ultimately led him to politics. He became mayor during the infamous “Clean Hands” scandal, a period of immense political upheaval in Italy. [[1](https://www.fanpage.it/milano/e-morto-paolo-pillitteri-ex-sindaco-socialista-di-milano-oggi-avrebbe-compiuto-84-anni/)]
**Host:** How did he navigate Milan through such a tumultuous time?
**Dr. Bianchi:** Remarkably, Pillitteri emerged as a unifying figure. He was guided by principles and focused on building bridges rather than walls, which was crucial during such a divisive time. He led Milan with dedication, shrewdness, and a genuine love for the city and its people.
**Host:** We often hear about the political career of public figures, but what about the man behind the title?
**Dr. Bianchi:** Pillitteri was known for his warmth and passion. He wasn’t just a politician; he was a true Milanese, deeply invested in the city’s wellbeing. The people of Milan responded to his sincerity, his dedication, and his vision for their city.
**Host:** Dr. Bianchi, thank you for sharing your insightful perspective on the life and legacy of Paolo Pillitteri. This city will surely remember him fondly.
