Pierferdinando Casini, one of the most iconic figures in recent Italian political history and former President of the Chamber of Deputies, has stated that he will not participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, the lifelong centrist remarked that it is time to give way to new figures, marking the end of a 44-year uninterrupted parliamentary career. Casini, a Christian Democrat, was a prototypical moderate politician who played a key part in Italy's institutional adjustments following the Cold War. Among the most important memories of his career, he cited Pope John Paul II's historic speech in the Chamber of Deputies in 2002, during his presidency of the Chamber, which he regarded as "a unique moment of profound spiritual and civic intensity". Casini analyzed the present political scene and provided a comment on the main contemporary leaders, noting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's determination and Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein's ability to attract young support outside of established conventions. When asked about the rumors surrounding his potential candidacy for the presidency of the Republic at the Quirinale Palace, Casini clarified the matter by invoking Italian institutional tradition: "You do not run for office at the Quirinale; you are elected". His retirement brings an end to an era in the political center and the Montecitorio Assembly's history.