Professor Cosimo Franco Manni's bid to stay in post after turning 67 rejected

Cosimo Franco Manni, a 67‑year‑old philosophy and history teacher at Liceo Leonardo in Brescia, filed an appeal earlier in 2026 seeking to remain in service beyond the mandatory retirement age. He argued that the Ministry of Education and Merit had not considered his willingness to continue teaching. The appeal was supported by a letter signed by 41 former students.

Labor court judge Isabella Angeli of the Brescia tribunal rejected Manni's request, stating that current legislation only allows public administrations a discretionary possibility to retain employees near retirement, but does not impose an obligation. The judge affirmed that the law does not grant a right for employees to stay in post once the retirement age is reached, and thus dismissed the precautionary request to suspend the retirement decree.

Manni's lawyer, Cristiano Pellegrini Quarantotti, has filed a further complaint against the dismissal of the precautionary measure, maintaining that the school’s management aims for continuity and competence, and that retaining experienced teachers benefits the institution.