Cécile Kyenge, Italy’s former Minister for Integration has been elected to the European Parliament.
Ms Kyenge, who was a Democratic Party candidate in the North East constituency, garnered more than 92,000 votes.
“Thanks to all. I’ll represent Italy in Europe with passion and pride,” Ms Kyenge said.
In April 2013 Ms Kyenge became the first ever black person to become a minister in Italy. She soon became the target of continuous violent racist attacks from extreme right politicians, activists, and journalists.
Ms Cécile Kyenge yesterday at 7:00 am outside the polling station at Gaggio in Castelfranco Emilia. She was the first to vote at the polling station before encouraging all to go and cast their votes
Most of the criticism against Ms Kyenge had nothing to do with her performance as minister. They were mainly based on the colour of her skin – her being black.
She however, never lost control. She handled disgraceful racist insults and attacks with calm and grace without ever displaying anger or uttering a provocative statement.
During her campaign for the European parliamentary elections, Ms Kyenge promised to keep fighting against racism throughout Europe. She also promised to fight for fair EU immigration and asylum policies and to ensure that equality, diversity and human rights are at the centre of EU’s policies and practices.
By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a
http://theafricanews.com/immigration-news/italy/6119-kyenge-elected-to-the-european-parliament.html
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