Di Maggio, the youngest member of Fdi: “On the front line in defense of the family”

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Right-wing woman, opposed to the pink quotas and ready to fight for the defense of the family: this is the profile of Grace Of May, the youngest deputy elected with the Brothers of Italy. She was born in 1994, she will cross the entrance of Palazzo Montecitorio a few days before she turns 28. The same age Pier Ferdinado Casini was at his debut as a deputy in 1983, now dean with eleven legislatures behind him. “Whether what opens up for me will be just a paranthesis or, as I hope, an experience that will last a long time, I don’t know. But I am sure that I will do politics all my life, in institutions or at banquets, even if I am convinced that this can never become a job ».

How did you arrive at the candidacy with the Brothers of Italy?
It all started with the signing of a petition. It happened three years ago, during the university years in Milan. From there began the “healthy militancy” that led me last year to candidacy for the Milan City Councils. Even in that case I was the youngest candidate on the Brothers of Italy list and the result was surprising for me who was not born in the city: first among the non-elected. Later I was given the opportunity to be nominated for the Chamber in Lombardy. Election is a great responsibility, as well as a great emotion.

Milanese by adoption?
I was born in Pisticci, a small town in Basilicata, in the province of Matera on the Ionian coast. I arrived in Milan nine years ago to study literature and political science at the university.

Where does the passion for politics come from?
I grew up in a right-wing family: politics was followed, we talked about it at the table but no one did political activity, nor was I directed towards this path. It was a vocation: something you feel inside yourself and you can’t help but indulge. If this were not the case, militancy would be difficult for one’s healthy life.

Was being a woman an advantage for you?
I am opposed to the pink quotas, in Fratelli d’Italia they do not exist. I believe that the merit has no gender, as the story of Giorgia Meloni demonstrates, who could become the first female premier in the history of Italy. I hope that in my case the work, the commitment and the skills have been evaluated.