«I have Parkinson’s. I was diagnosed in November 2020.» Dario Franceschini, PD senator and former Minister of Culture, talks about his illness for the first time in an interview with Corriere della Sera. «The diagnosis was a terrible blow. I had a heart attack in 2014, plus some other ailments that were well resolved. But, well, those were just setbacks that we all somewhat expect. Parkinson’s is a different disease, it stays with you forever».
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The first reaction
Franceschini explains that initially his reaction was to try to hide the illness. «Those affected by Parkinson’s tend to be ashamed. They speak poorly, slur, or walk unsteadily, looking like a drunk. Others are shaken by uncontrollable tremors.» But, he emphasizes, «it is essential not to get discouraged, to wake up in the morning with something to accomplish. To try to fight Parkinson’s, besides medication, it is crucial to fill your days and tell yourself: I won’t give up, I keep living, I keep being here».
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This is why he chose to make the diagnosis public. «Talking publicly about my illness, of course, costs me, and a lot,» Franceschini says. «But I thought about it a lot: and, weighing the pros and cons, I convinced myself that it is right to describe this particular season of my life. To tell all other Parkinson’s patients: don’t isolate yourselves, keep living».
How the relationship with politics changes
The illness, the former minister says, has also changed his relationship with politics: «It wipes out personal ambitions, makes you lose that sense of invincibility that a politician is supposed to convey, showing almost by definition no weaknesses, fears, fragility.» Despite the illness, Franceschini continues his activity: «Parkinson’s affects the body, not cognitive abilities. You lower the work pace, adjust it. But I have continued, and continue, with phone calls, meetings, gatherings».
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