Italy’s political scene has long been a tug-of-war between Prime Minister Renzi’s center-left Partito Democratico (PD) and his right-wing opponents, Forza Italia. Regardless of who holds power, the government is known for corruption and inefficiency. In mayoral elections this week, the anti-establishment Movimento 5 Stelle (MS5) gained several victories in major cities – including the capital. Just yesterday Rome elected its first female mayor in history, 37 year-old Virginia Raggi, as the party’s representative.
Raggi was elected mayor after a landslide 67% victory. She was up against the establishment center-left candidate, Roberto Giacchetti. Her win was indicative of a sweep of victories by MS5, which won 19 out of the 20 towns they stood for. Discontent toward Renzi’s government is widespread, not only because of unpopular reforms but also for its general inaction. Renzi was never elected by the people, only chosen as leader by his party. The resulting resentment has tarnished all his decisions as Prime Minister.
Despite unquestionable improvements since Berlusconi’s previous rule, Italians in recent years have voted for MS5 in protest against Renzi. Until yesterday it had remained a fringe party, albeit with growing influence. But even as of last month, the movement’s landslide victories were unexpected. In the first round of voting in Rome on June 5th, MS5’s Raggi won 35% of the vote in comparison to Giacchetti’s 25%. She did stand at an advantage, but nowhere near as great as her final victory. It was hypothesised that many right-wing voters, whose candidates did not pass the first round, would opt for a center-left establishment vote. But Raggi’s clear victory suggests both sides of the political spectrum backed her in the end – whether due to Renzi’s PD’s unpopularity or the MS5’s growing appeal.
Raggi being the first female mayor in Rome’s 2,800 year history is extremely important. The World Economic Forums ranks Italy as having one of the worst gender gaps in Europe, and the worst in Western Europe. In line with stereotypes, Italian culture is based on the aesthetically pleasing and on open communication. This means women are judged by their looks more than average, and catcalling & aggressiveness are incredibly common. In fact, many of the attacks thrown at Raggi during her campaign reflected gender stereotypes.
Raggi isn’t kidding herself – she knows her victory doesn’t signify the end of sexism in Rome or Italy. In an online post following the election, she mentioned how “equal opportunities are still a pipe dream”. Nevertheless, she recognized the historical impact of Rome finally electing a female mayor; it is “the first sign of profound change that we are bringing to this country”.
At only 37 years old, Raggi is also Rome’s youngest mayor ever. Some have criticized her age and lack of experience, suggesting she isn’t ready to lead Italy’s capital. She admittedly isn’t the country’s most seasoned politician, but that’s part of the appeal of the MS5. Founded by comedian Beppe Grillo to fight the establishment, it has spent the past years in opposition. The MS5 has never had a chance to rule but promises change; it has populist qualities without resorting to demagogical scapegoating tactics. Many voted for Raggi and her colleagues not necessarily with enthusiasm for their policies, but to give this rising party a try. The overwhelming majority of the population is discontent with the status quo, be it in the form of Renzi’s PD or the previous right-wing rule. If MS5 has become a serious contender and challenges this establishment, it may as well have a shot – little could be worse than the current government anyway.
Of course, Raggi is also subject to valid criticism. The fact that the leaders of the MS5 will likely act behind many of her policies; her ties to right-wing politicians involved in corruption scandals (albeit a decade ago, only on behalf of the law firm she practiced at). Due to the MS5’s technical legal status as ‘movement’ and not ‘party’, its founders & leaders cannot run for certain positions such as mayor. They will however remain at the forefront of their party by operating through colleagues. But despite some contradictions regarding Raggi and the MS5 as a whole, their movement provides a refreshing break from the old politics Italy is so used to.
The number of female politicians in the Italian parliament isn’t incredibly low, so at face value, claims of political inequality could be dismissed. But these MPs were partly placed as female tokens following Berlusconi’s government sexism. Despite being educated and accomplished individuals, they are scrutinized, criticized for their looks, and hold few positions of individual power. Just google “Italian female politicians”: the first results are attractiveness rankings objectifying them. MS5’s success across the country not only brings in a breath of fresh air to general politics.
Raggi’s sweeping victory in Rome, despite misgivings people may have about her, is proof that things are changing. They’re changing in letting establishment parties know they won’t be tolerated indefinitely if they don’t sep their game up. In letting Italians know that things may finally finally change, that voters have the power to make them change. They’re changing in letting young women – women having grown up in Berlusconi’s reign of “bunga bunga” sex parties, of government officials frequenting underage prostitutes – know they can have a place in politics too. Just as Virginia Raggi’s campaign slogan says – CoRAGGIo. Courage.
