Meet The Leftwing, Green, Catholic, Gay, Southern Italian Governer Who Brings Hope To The Italian Left

Nichi Vendola is not what you expect from an elected politician the traditionally conservative ‘boot’ of Italy, Apulia.

A former Communist enthusiast, now voted the best-liked Italian politician, this man is full of surprises. Since his election, he has overseen the installation of mass renewables (now powering Italy with 13% of it’s solar and 24% of it’s wind power), and is one of the most social media-savvy politicians I’ve come across. Have a look at his website, or better – his Facebook page (more fans than any other European politician). British progressive elected officials take note.

He has invested much of his time building the radical infrastructure needed to support the future of the Italian left – local associations, youth clubs, single-issue campaign groups, and the hope is that this growth will coincide with a future run for the Italian Presidency in 2013.

Le Monde Diplomatique has a wonderful profile piece that is well-worth your time.

For those of you who enjoy the dulcet tones of the Italian language, here is his party political broadcast for the European elections in 2009, in which his ‘Left and Freedom’ party became the third largest Italian grouping in Brussels.