Pasquale Centrone, 63, known as Tuccino, owner of a historic restaurant in Polignano a Mare, in the province of Bari, who has been suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis for years, asks to die in Tuscany. This was reported by Corriere del Mezzogiorno, Puglia edition.
The man, who shared his request on social media, in his appeal, names the President of the Puglia Region, Antonio Decaro, as “his executor, for assisted suicide in Tuscany, one of the three regions in Italy that has approved the end-of-life law,” because, he continues on social media, “you are unable to provide me and those like me, third-level fragile patients, with lasting and dignified home care. I beg you, Mr. Governor, take me to Tuscany where it is possible to carry out the end of life. I can no longer suffer like this. In the meantime, while I sort out my personal affairs, I ask my children and my family to let me enjoy myself as much as possible until that day. I haven’t gone crazy today, it’s just that I can’t take it anymore.”
Tuccino has always dedicated all his energy, along with his family, to his restaurant business “before ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that arrived like a hurricane almost 20 years ago,” the newspaper continues. “”How many times do you have to shout before being heard?” urges Pasquale’s sister, Pina Centrone. “This is not just the story of a disease, but that of a family left alone to face an enormous burden. Beyond opinions on medically assisted suicide, one question remains: is it acceptable for a person to resort to such an extreme appeal to ask for dignified care?” Pina continues.
In Puglia, there is no regional law. “Attempts to introduce it – the Corriere continues – have been rejected or have not found final approval from the Regional Council, as in the case of the text proposed by former councilor Fabiano Amati.” President Decaro spoke with the Corriere, stating that “the issue of end-of-life touches the consciences of each of us. It is a complex issue that questions us and demands answers. I am certain – the president continues – that the Apulian Regional Council will not shy away from a frank discussion on the topic, respecting the ideas and reflections of each of us. A draft law has been deposited in the Council which, as mayor of the metropolitan city together with the metropolitan councilors, we voted on as a regulatory proposal, following the 2019 Constitutional Court ruling. I believe the time is ripe to start a discussion and try to synthesize the legitimate positions of each.”
