"Ethics of duty and the power of example: Premio Legalità 2026 for the guardians of the state" by Carlo Coppola
La versione italiana di questo articolo di Carlo Coppola si trova su "Bariconnessa" diretto da Marina Basile al seguente indirizzo: https://www.bariconnessa.it/news/cultura/premio-legalita-2026-etica-dovere-valore-esempio/3092
«Պարտականության էթիկան և օրինակի ուժը. "Premio Legalità 2026" պետության պահապանների համար»: Կառլո Կոպպոլայի հոդված.
In the evocative setting of the Real Sito di Carditello on Saturday 10 January 2026, the fourth edition of the Premio Legalità (Rule of Law Award), organised by the Centro Studi Mameli, took place, once again confirming its role as a key moment of civic and institutional reflection within both the Campania region and the national context. The historic Bourbon palace of Carditello, transformed from a site of memory into a genuine forum for public debate, provided the stage for an event that reaffirmed how legality is not a static principle but a living, dynamic process, experienced daily through a sense of duty, transparency and ethical coherence.
A central role in the ceremony was played by the event’s patron, Loredana Lanna, whose presence lent the occasion both institutional authority and a strong symbolic link between civil society and public institutions, highlighting the educational value of a form of legality rooted in everyday practice rather than confined to abstract principles.
The awards honoured individuals of the highest standing, whose professional commitment embodies the core values of the rule of law. Among the most significant recognitions were those conferred upon Dr Carlo Fucci, Chief Public Prosecutor, and senior military figures including General of the Army Corps Rodolfo Sganga, General Salvatore D’Arpa of the Guardia di Finanza, Colonel Biagio Chiariello, Commander of the Provincial Police of Caserta, and Colonel Gaetano Farina of the Italian Air Force.
The intellectual depth of the event was further enriched by the contributions of distinguished speakers: Dr. Enrico Quaranta, Magistrate Ilaria Grimaldi and Dr Lucio Di Nosse addressed crucial issues such as the fight against organised crime and the promotion of administrative transparency, stressing that legality is also measured by the quality of public decision-making and the sense of institutional responsibility.
A particularly powerful symbolic element of this edition was the tribute to the memory of Nicola Barbato, recipient of the Gold Medal for Civil Valour, an emblematic figure of sacrifice in the name of justice. His example continues to inspire the spirit of the award, linking his legacy to the daily commitment of those who uphold the law in the most challenging territories.
The ceremony was accompanied by the solemn music of the Band of the Penitentiary Police, which helped create an atmosphere of dignity and shared participation, reinforcing the message that legality is not an endpoint but a continuous practice of responsibility, dedication and merit.
In conclusion, the 2026 Rule of Law Award reaffirmed that a culture of legality is the essential precondition for all social and civil development. For one day, the Royal Estate of Carditello became a true agora of justice, confirming its vocation as a place of dialogue, memory and active citizenship.
We extend our thanks to the event’s press office and to Dr. Lelio Antonio Deganutti for the information, images and detailed report provided.
Carlo Coppola
