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Intelligent, young and beautiful, Elvira Savino M.P. of the 16th legislation, has conquered Montecitorio Palace from the outstart.  At the heart of her nomination is a great academic background, a decisive personality and sound work experience. After graduating from the Sante Simone Institute of Conversano, Elvira Savino enrolled in the University of Bari where she graduated in 2003 in Economics summa cum laude. Her courses of specialization include company management and leadership held from the Chamber of Commerce of Bari, followed by a Master´s Degree in European Public Relations. 

Work:  From April 2004 Elvira Savino worked as assistant project manager at Business International (specialized in the training of executives.)  In 2005 she entered the world of politics working in the press office of the UDC (party).  Here is where she matured in politics being elected to the Italian Parliament in 2008.  Since then she shares the values, the ideals and the experience of the PDL party.  Elvira Savino is a member of the VI Finance Commission.  

The Accademia a?ks the Honourable Elvira Savino some questions:  

MP of the Italian Republic.  What do politics represent to you? 

Politics is a passion.  Obviously it´s a “complex” passion that requires some commitment because its main requirement is to reflect the people´s will.  Becoming an MP means being bestowed upon a great honour and responsibility.  For this reason I give it my all.  I look at politics with a multi-culture in mind with the focus on the family and social justice.  There is need for a strong political system that can guarantee safety, freedom and well-being for all.  Therefore, politics is relating, sharing and listening to others as well as making myself available to citizens.    

What is the aspect of your work that fascinates you most – how does an MP spend her day? 

One aspect  of  my work that makes me particularly proud is the possibility to act on behalf of the people from my region (Puglia).  I think the modernization of infra-structures, the fight against unemployment deal with the illegal work force and tax evasion.  These are the most serious problems affecting our South, but I am convinced that a solution will be gradually met.  This will only be possible if we begin by freeing ourselves of a “vittimista” attitude that up to now has made us always ask for assistance.  With a decentralized system, whereby costs and benefits are directed towards a more productive and a better prioritized usage of resources, Puglia as well as the South will benefit.  Local councils will be obliged to be more responsible for their performance.  Consequently, only the best performers will be rewarded. My day always begins reading the main newspapers, followed by a study of laws, proposed amendments and contributing to the Commission and the Parliamentary House. I also manage my own internet site.  Every week I publish material of a political agenda as well as answering questions from the public – this enables me to keep in better contact with everyone. 

For many you are a symbol of innovation, but in a land of traditions, Puglia, what strategy do you adopt to persuade those who resist change? 

I am aware that changes are met with resistance, especially in the South.  But I look at Puglia in a different way.  I believe that the Pugliese have a natural disposition towards multi-culturism.  In fact, I never had the perception that the Pugliese resist novelty and progress.  Besides their strong attachment to the land, they distinguish themselves as an entrepreneurial attitude motivated by a drive for innovation.  This is the attitude I identify with.  Generally, where a way of life has been radicalized by time, it is difficult to obtain a consensus to bring about change.  Nonetheless, if I look at the psychology of change, I believe that we are willing to bring about changes when these improve our lives.  The only problem is that any improvement is not always seen immediately.  Therefore, for a successful change to occur, the following criteria need to be met:  effective communication, trust, positive attitude, realistic solutions that will give a sense of participation. Furthermore, any change requires a clear explanation so that people can perceive its benefits.  I´m certain that the Pugliese have understood that it´s not beneficial to resist change.  I am also certain that they will be able to improve their attitude towards an all-inclusive wider horizon.  I believe that this is the only way to grow:  open up to new ideas without penalizing ones origins and identity. 

A female politician from a traditional Southern-Italian background that plays an important role.  What do you find easy/difficult in the political arena? 

Being a female politician today is easier.  Testament to this is the female presence in my political party, their active role and the respect and support receive from colleagues.  There are also 4 female government ministers.  Personally, as a woman from the South, I believe that I have many traits from Puglia;  primarily a drive to look ahead and find solutions.  Like all Pugliese, I place passion in everything I do.  I am driven by my emotions.  I believe this may be a typical trait of a woman from southern Italy:  live life “con tutto il cuore” while remaining firmly grounded. As far as political activity is concerned, women can be easily heard but as it often happens, women must use their nails when important decisions need to be made.  This is exactly what we need to work on, that is move away from victimization and focus instead on what we do best.  Not just “pink” matters but strength in ideas. 

Which female politician do you admire most? 

I admire Stefania Prestigiacomo.  She successfully managed important governmental portfolios without neglecting family responsibilities for many years.  I particularly appreciate her role as the Environmental Minister at the summit that approved a climate/energy bill.  I also admire Giorgia Meloni who from a very young age, has been able to make an important mark. 

Undoubtedly, your nomination as an MP has been a great achievement, but which moment has been the most difficult?  How have you overcome it?

My nomination represents a great affirmation.  As I said, it is a great honour for me and at the same time, a great responsibility.  The electoral campaign stands out in my mind.  I became completely immersed in it to the point of exaltation.  This came from the direct interaction with the people.  The main objective was to project my convictions to the people present in order to instill electoral trust.  I would say I succeeded in this  thanks to my inner trust, my strong will, commitment and passion.  As I said before, there´s no point in crying misery but investing in one´s ideals and always being positive and optimistic. 

What is your message for aspiring young Pugliese looking for affirmation? 

I know many young Pugliese working in different fields, away from Puglia.  I have also started and worked away from home.  I would like to reassure youngsters that are away from home, how important it is to learn different cultures - an important element for personal growth.   My advice is to open up and embrace change.  Be brave and generous.  This is what I have done, that is face the day with due responsibility but with some audacity to fulfill your dreams. 

Which is your favourite book?  And film? 

I am a very curious person and I like everything that´s new.  For this reason, “my favourite” is always the next one!  However, as a young girl, I cried reading “The Red and the Black” a novel by Stendhal.  As far as films are concerned, I particularly liked “The English Patient” by Anthony Minghella. 

If you were to live in a different country, which city would it be? 

New York.  The main reason may seem a bit banal but it´s because of a sense of space:  I love anything that is big – the idea of a limitless limit.  It may be paradoxical but I find reassuring the unexpected, the idea that there´s always something new to discover  and never take anything for granted.  New York is all these things and much more.  I would live in New York also because of its sense of freedom, independence, equal opportunities and tolerance – New York offers all of these not just as ideals but reality. 

What is your next dream?