 |
Virginia RaggiItalian politician
Date of Birth: 18.07.1978
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Italian Politician
- Early Life and Education
- Early Career and Activism
- Political Career
- 2016 Mayoral Election
- Mayoralty
- 2021 Mayoral Election and Defeat
- Legal Prosecutions
- Personal Life
Italian Politician
Virginia Raggi is an Italian politician who served as the Mayor of Rome from 2016 to 2021.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 18, 1978, in Rome, Raggi grew up in the San Giovanni district. She attended the Isaac Newton High School and later obtained a law degree from the University of Rome "Foro Italico," specializing in copyright, intellectual property, and new technologies.
Early Career and Activism
Before entering politics, Raggi worked as a volunteer at several municipal dog shelters and participated in the organization of several "solidarity buying groups" (GAS), a form of consumer cooperative. She also held the position of "cultore della materia" at the University of Rome "Foro Italico" from 2007.
Political Career
Raggi joined the Five Star Movement (M5S) and was elected to the Rome City Council in March 2011. She was re-elected in 2013, focusing on issues such as education and environmental protection. Despite allegations linking her to a corruption scandal known as Mafia Capitale, all suspicions were dismissed by the Prefect of Rome.
2016 Mayoral Election
In February 2016, Raggi became the official M5S candidate for mayor of Rome, winning the primaries with 45.5% of the vote. During her campaign, she faced criticism for not disclosing her legal internship at the firm of Cesare Previti, a former minister convicted of corruption.
Raggi was elected mayor in June 2016, defeating her opponent by a significant margin.
Mayoralty
As mayor, Raggi faced several challenges, including a series of resignations from her administration and the decision to withdraw Rome's bid for the 2024 Olympic Games. However, she also implemented several policies, such as the creation of a public transportation pass for low-income residents.
In 2018, Raggi was under investigation for financial irregularities related to the construction of a new stadium for Roma football club. She also faced criticism for her decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
2021 Mayoral Election and Defeat
In 2021, Raggi ran for re-election as mayor of Rome, supported by a coalition of parties. However, she was defeated in the second round by her opponent, Roberto Gualtieri.
Legal Prosecutions
Raggi has faced several legal prosecutions during her time as mayor. In 2016, she was investigated for failing to disclose income from the health authority of Civitavecchia while serving as a city councilor. In 2017, she was accused of abuse of office in connection with the management of municipal dog shelters.
Personal Life
Virginia Raggi is married to Andrea Severini, an engineer. The couple has one son.
