Mariarosaria Rossi Italian politician Date of Birth: 08.03.1972 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Political Beginnings
2. Rise to Prominence
3. Electoral Success
4. Party Influence
5. Legal Investigations
6. Political Controversy

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Maria Rosaria Rossi, an Italian politician and member of the Forza Italia party, was born on March 8, 1972, in Piedimonte Matese. After pursuing technical studies, she worked as an entertainer and public relations agent in Rome during the 1990s. Her political career began with her election to the Rome X District Council under the Forza Italia banner.

Rise to Prominence

Rossi claims that her political initiatives caught the attention of Silvio Berlusconi, while other accounts attribute her notoriety to her appearance on the television show "Meno male che Silvio c'è." She subsequently became a regular at Berlusconi's private residence in Rome, Palazzo Grazioli, and has been linked to the infamous bunga-bunga parties at his estate, according to leaked telephone conversations.

Electoral Success

In 2008, Rossi was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in the XVI legislature as a member of the People of Freedom party. In 2013, she was elected to the Senate in the XVII legislature, initially with the People of Freedom group and later with the revived Forza Italia group. She has held various committee memberships, including the 8th Permanent Commission (Public Works, Communications) and the 9th Permanent Commission (Agriculture and Agri-Food Production).

Party Influence

Rossi wields significant influence within Forza Italia, with party officials reportedly stating, "Decidono solo lei e il capo" ("Only she and the boss decide"). In May 2014, she was appointed Administrator of the party following the resignation of Sandro Bondi.

Legal Investigations

On October 19, 2016, Rossi was implicated in the so-called "Ruby ter case," an investigation into allegations of corruption and false testimony in relation to the "Ruby case," which involved Silvio Berlusconi's sexual relationship with a minor, Karima El Mahroug. The prosecution alleges that the suspects received bribes from Berlusconi in exchange for false testimony.

Political Controversy

On January 19, 2021, Rossi voted in the Senate against her party's position to support the second Conte government.