'Estonia loses a great friend': Politicians mark David Sassoli's death
Estonian politicians paid their respects to President of the European Parliament David Sassoli who died on Tuesday morning.
The 65-year-old Italian politician, former journalist and center-left politician had been seriously ill for more than two weeks and canceled all official activities, the BBC reported.
Sassoli was admitted to hospital in Italy last month due to a serious complication with his immune system.
He last visited Estonia in August 2021.
President Alar Karis wrote on social media: "Not news one wants to wake up to. My thoughts are with David Sassoli's family, friends and colleagues around the world."
Not news one wants to wake up to. My thoughts are with David Sassoli's family, friends and colleagues around the world. https://t.co/gwDH8u5kOS
— Alar Karis (@AlarKaris) January 11, 2022
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) said she was devastated by the news. "We have lost a great European, a true advocate for the European unity, values, and cohesion," she wrote on social media.
Devastaded about @EP_President David Sassoli passing. We have lost a great European, a true advocate for the European unity, values, and cohesion. Thank you, Il Presidente of @Europarl_EN! Ci mancherai! pic.twitter.com/roF0FCGgAU
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 11, 2022
Speaker of the Rigiikogu Jüri Ratas (Center) sent his "heartfelt condolences" to Sassoli's family. He said the European Parliament has "lost a true leader, [and] Estonia a great friend".
My heartfelt condolences to the family of @EP_President David Sassoli! @Europarl_EN has lost a true leader, #Estonia a great friend. We would always warmly remember his visit on August 20th last year on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the restoration of independence. pic.twitter.com/VMFNfntuRG
— Jüri Ratas (@ratasjuri) January 11, 2022
Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets (Center) wrote Sassoli will be remembered as a "true and inspiring leader".
Very saddened by the passing of the President of the European Parliament David Sassoli. He will be remembered as a true and inspiring leader.
— Eva-Maria Liimets (@eliimets) January 11, 2022
Our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, friends and colleagues.
--
Follow ERR News on Facebook and Twitter and never miss an update!
Editor: Helen Wright
