Carlo Verdone Becomes Mayor of Rome for a Day on His 75th Birthday
Today, Carlo Verdone, the beloved Italian actor and director, celebrated his 75th birthday in a truly unforgettable way—by becoming the mayor of Rome for a day. The day began with a playful declaration: "Adesso prendo io il comando," or "Now I take command," setting the tone for a special and symbolic journey through the city he has always loved. Much like the iconic Alberto Sordi, who once assumed a similar role, Verdone stepped into the shoes of the first citizen of the capital, blending humor, charm, and heartfelt commitment.
Verdone was warmly welcomed at Campidoglio by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and the city’s municipal band, which played the soundtrack from his famous film Un sacco bello , composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone. Wearing the tricolour mayoral sash, he took part in the City Council’s meeting in the Sala delle Bandiere, where two key initiatives were approved under his temporary leadership.
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The first measure focused on opening a social dentistry and psychology center in Tor Bella Monaca, a neighborhood long challenged by economic hardships. This initiative, set to involve the Lazio Region and Sapienza University of Rome, will provide free dental care and psychological support for those in need. The facility will be located in the R5 housing complex, part of a larger urban regeneration project funded through the PNRR, aiming to revitalize over 1,200 public housing units.
The second measure sought to support local bookstores, recognizing them as essential cultural hubs. New provisions now allow bookstores to use public spaces for cultural activities or ancillary services, even in historical areas or UNESCO sites where outdoor commercial activity was previously restricted. The goal is to strengthen the presence of bookstores in neighborhoods, promote economic resilience, and create new opportunities for community engagement.
After his Campidoglio duties, Verdone visited Villa Gordiani, where he inaugurated a refurbished playground in a neighborhood still recovering from a July 4th explosion that damaged a nearby school. Hundreds of residents, including many children, greeted him with applause, hugs, and shouts of “Carlo, Carlo!” The actor planted a tree and shared memories of playing in much rougher playgrounds during his own childhood, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces for children, youth, and community gathering.
Speaking about the choice to focus on the city’s outskirts, Verdone explained, "The center has had enough attention. The outskirts are laboratories of creativity. They must not be defined by 'degradation' but by 'inequality.' We need to give hope and support to communities, especially young people, who are full of intuition and creativity."
The day continued with visits to senior centers, inspections of infrastructure projects, and engagements with local citizens, concluding with Verdone participating in a special session of the Capitol Assembly. Reflecting on the experience, he highlighted the energy, creativity, and hope found in Rome’s peripheral neighborhoods, leaving a message that resonated far beyond the festive celebrations: culture, community, and attention to the next generation are essential for the city’s future.
In stepping into the role of mayor, even briefly, Verdone not only celebrated a milestone birthday but also reminded Rome of the power of presence, action, and heart in the life of a city.
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