Mara Carfagna, born on December 18, 1975, in Salerno, Italy, has had one of the most remarkable career transformations in Italian public life.
Rising from a television career and glamour modelling to becoming a key political figure, Carfagna has consistently defied expectations.
Originally named Maria Rosaria Carfagna, she displayed an early aptitude for the arts, studying dance at the prestigious Teatro San Carlo in Naples, where she earned a diploma. She also studied acting and piano before venturing into television. In 1997, Carfagna achieved national recognition as a finalist in the Miss Italia beauty pageant, which launched her career in entertainment.
Carfagna co-hosted popular television shows, including Domenica In and La domenica del villaggio, blending glamour with professionalism. During this period, she also completed her law degree at the University of Salerno, graduating with honours in 2001.
Political Beginnings and Forza Italia
Carfagna joined Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party in 2004, initially focusing on women’s rights and social issues. She was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 2006, representing her home region of Campania. Despite early scepticism about her political credentials, Carfagna quickly gained a reputation as a diligent and effective parliamentarian.
Her connection to Berlusconi often attracted media attention, some of it unwelcome. Berlusconi’s controversial remarks, including a suggestion about an ancient feudal custom of primae noctis, were widely criticised. However, Carfagna focused on her legislative work, refusing to let the commentary overshadow her efforts.
Minister for Equal Opportunities
In 2008, Carfagna was appointed Minister for Equal Opportunities in Berlusconi’s cabinet. Her tenure was marked by bold legislative initiatives, including a 2009 law that criminalised stalking, adding it to Italy’s penal code. This groundbreaking legislation was praised for addressing a significant gap in protections for victims of harassment.
Carfagna also led Italy’s first government-backed campaign against homophobia and violence based on sexual orientation, a milestone in a country often criticised for its slow progress on LGBTQ+ rights. Her focus on combating gender-based violence, human trafficking, and workplace discrimination further solidified her reputation as a serious policymaker.
One of her more controversial proposals was a law targeting street prostitution. The legislation sought to penalise both sex workers and their clients. While criticised by sex worker advocacy groups, the bill received support from Catholic charities and conservative groups.
Criticism of Salvini
In recent years, Carfagna has positioned herself as an independent voice within Italy’s political landscape. She has openly criticised Matteo Salvini, the leader of the far-right League party, for his divisive rhetoric and hardline immigration policies. Carfagna’s criticism extended to Salvini’s populist tactics, which she argued exacerbated societal divisions rather than addressing underlying issues.
While she owes much of her early political career to Berlusconi’s mentorship, she has demonstrated increasing independence, clashing with other members of Forza Italia and prioritising her policy goals over party loyalty.
Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies
In 2018, Carfagna was elected Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies, a role that reflected her growing influence and respect across party lines. As a senior parliamentarian, she has continued to champion southern Italy’s development and gender equality while remaining a prominent critic of political opportunism.
