Rome, 16 September (LaPresse) – ‘The vision of an impartial administration is indebted to liberal constitutionalism and was embraced by the Constituent Assembly, aware of how, during the Fascist era, the public apparatus had been used to suppress guarantees and the balance between public powers.’ This was stated by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, when he met the winners of the ninth course-competition for public managers organised by the National School of Administration at the Quirinale. ‘Public officials – according to the Constitution – must work in the service of the community and must be removed from the influence of political parties,’ added the Head of State. . ‘Hence the need to organise public offices according to the principle of impartiality, which is a prerequisite for good performance because it allows administrative discretion to be exercised on the basis of objective criteria, through a careful assessment of all the interests involved, both public and private. This way of operating by the administrations guarantees equal treatment for all citizens who come into contact with their work,’ concluded Mattarella.