by In Trieste
At just 27 Francesca De Santis, who was born in Rome, became the youngest councilor for tourism in Italy, entering the team of mayor Dipiazza in December, 2018. Later Francesca was nominated the councilor for gender equality and youth – her true passion.
Does Trieste feel like home?
Francesca: Absolutely. I moved here two years ago and I have to say I am fully integrated now.
Do you speak any Triestino?
F: Not really, but I do understand it easily.
How did it feel to become the councilor for tourism in Trieste at just 27?
F: I was scared, of course. I knew I was given a grand opportunity that felt bigger than myself at the time. But as all young people who need to deal with older and more experienced collegues, I knew I had to work hard to show how capable and knowledgeable I was.
Was it tricky at first because you were a young woman in an almost entirely male team?
F: I think it was more about my age than gender. I wanted everyone to take me seriously so I had to strive to become better and better. I am very proud of all we have been able to achieve in the past two years.
Do you think young age in politics is an advantage?
F: I believe that there’s a definite need for the new ways of seeing things, for the new ways of doing things. I believe being young while working for the government is definitely an advantage, even if it’s not always seen that way.
What is more challenging to be a councilor for tourism or gender equality and youth?
F: At 27 when I became the councilor for tourism, it wasn’t easy to instantly understand how everything worked. But thanks to being tenacious I kept going and did well. I always thought that it’s important to see Trieste through the eyes of tourists to understand what it is we need to make better, where we can change, tweak things.
What’s your recent proudest moment?
F: The fact that we were finally able to bring back live concerts to Trieste. Just the other week a famous Italian singer, Francesca Michelin, performed in Porto Vecchio and it was full house and standing ovation all the way. People need a bit of lightness and live concerts bring you just that. And this concert is just the beginning.
It’s a big year for you!
F: It is. I am getting married on 7 August here in Trieste and my whole family and friends will travel from Rome for the big day. It will be an opportunity for them to visit the city I love and where I am planning to settle down and eventually have kids.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Are you still in politics?
F: It’s a tricky question. I know I want to continue to do good and be the best I can be.
