Colourful Candidates For Italian Election (Press, 9 June 1987)

In preparation for the Parliamentary election scheduled for June 14-15, 1987, Italian political parties are presenting an array of unconventional candidates, enlisting personalities from diverse fields, including sports and entertainment. The practice of including celebrities on party lists is not new in Italy; however, this election sees an unprecedented number of high-profile individuals running for office. Candidates span a wide spectrum, earning media attention with the term “portatori di sangue” or “blood donors” used to describe them in newspapers. Among the contenders, violinist Uto Ughi is a notable figure on the Christian Democrat ticket. Meanwhile, pop singer Domenico Modugno, known as “Mr Volare,” and Hungarian porn star Ilona Staller, nicknamed “Cicciolina,” represent the Radical Party. Staller, 36, has attracted significant media buzz due to her daring campaign style, which features provocative topless appearances. Her popularity has led to a day being designated as “Cicciolina Day,” during which she was closely followed by reporters and photographers throughout her campaign activities in Rome. The Radical Party aims to challenge traditional moral perceptions with her candidacy, advocating against what they view as a repressive attitude towards pornography. The election also highlights the inclusion of openly homosexual candidates, with the Communists, Radicals, and Greens each nominating two leading figures from Italy's homosexual rights movement. Furthermore, Carole Beebe Tarantelli, an American-born widow of a prominent economist murdered by terrorists in 1985, is running on the Communist slate. Tarantelli believes women could become a significant voting bloc and feels that presenting a female candidate would bring a sense of integrity to the process, noting the current Parliament comprises only seven per cent women. In addition to these figures, the lists also feature three retired generals, including a former Army chief of staff, and Patrizio Oliva, the world junior welterweight boxing champion, running for the Christian Democrats. José Altafini, a Brazilian-born soccer star, is standing for the Republican Party. This blend of candidates, ranging from sports heroes to actors and activists, reflects a trend towards more dynamic and varied political representation in Italy’s electoral landscape.

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