Today marks the anniversary of the death of Jole Santelli, the first female president of the Calabria Region, who passed away on 15 October 2020. A prominent figure in Calabrian and national politics, Santelli is remembered for her strong bond with her land of origin, political passion and constant commitment to the relaunch of Calabria.
Born in Cosenza in 1968, long-time Forza Italia MP, Jole Santelli was elected president of the Region in January 2020, a few months before her untimely death. Five years after his death, institutions, citizens and friends remember his courage, energy and love for Calabria.
Many messages via social media in memory of an institutional figure who in the few months at the helm of the Region had to face the Covid 19 pandemic. The “Jole Santelli” award was also established in her memory, which is part of the “La Calabria delle Donne” festival and which aims to celebrate her figure through the promotion and valorisation of the culture and ingenuity of women.