«It’s not true that young people aren’t interested in politics, on the contrary. We are very sensitive on different issues. Rather, it is politics that, still too often, is unable to intercept us and our needs. Or, worse, tends to exclude for fear of losing power and control. A disappointing way of doing politics which, inevitably, becomes repellent.”
Simona Paonessa she is only 20 years old and is the youngest candidate in the next regional elections in Piedmont. «I was twelve years old when, in 2016, everything started happening in the western part of the world – she explains -. It was the year of Brexit and Trump’s elections in the United States. Unexpected events for me which, I remember well, moved my sensitivity and pushed me to find out more and more about news and politics. A curiosity that gradually transformed into a real passion.”
In Simona’s house, however, public affairs are a topic of great interest and the girl grew up hearing about governments, reshuffles, mayors, elections. «My family has always dedicated itself to the common good by engaging in politics at a local level – she continues – not only that: I have the great honor of having a partisan grandfather, and I proudly claim this belonging to him».
The young girl runs with the Democratic party, which he considers his ideal home but believes there are many things to change even within the coalition he identifies with. He would like all of politics, and the PD in particular, to be capable of motivating, convincing and involving more and more young people and a larger number of women. And that engagement doesn’t only happen when it comes to putting legs into practical activities.
Gavetta aside, she is convinced that generation Z must be listened to even when it comes to making important decisions. «I started active politics at 14 years old when, when I reached high school, I met a group of kids involved in the front line of the young democrats (pd ed.). I understood that my ideas were in line with theirs, I joined the group.” And today she is the secretary of the young democrats of the province of Vercelli.
«I was and still am very lucky, because I met people who were able to transfer knowledge and skills to me but, in the same way, they taught me to understand the dynamics that regulate politics which, in this sense, perhaps I am also at the ancient, you don’t learn from one day to the next but it’s part of a long and at times tiring growth journey.” Simona also believes that politics must «go and talk to young people, take to the streets and intercept our needs and fears, giving substance to electoral promises. A policy that speaks our language, that is more direct and that can also deal with things that may seem small but which are fundamental for us: I’m thinking of the mobility of all of us commuters, for example.” Finally, the young woman would like “the elders of the party to be able to take a small step to the side, giving the younger ones the opportunity to grow, as is happening to me”.
