Friday, May 09, 2008

Mara Carfagna: Topless Model to Italy Cabinet Minister

Bare Cabinet

Mara Carfagna has been appointed as Italy's minister of equal opportunity by Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. Surprising, since the 33-year-old former topless model and beauty queen's qualifications for the new post appear to be as bare as she appears in modeling photos.

Adding an extra twist, billionaire Berlusconi apparently told Mara Carfagna that he would "gladly marry" her at an awards ceremony in 2007. Infuriated upon hearing the remarks, his wife, Veronica, demanded a public apology in a newspaper letter. One year later, he may have gotten his revenge, creating an excuse to see Mara in defiance of his wife.

In 1997, Mara Cafagna placed sixth in the Miss Italy contest. She also worked as a model, posing topless and semi-naked for the cameras. Despite her career choice, she was often uncomfortable, explaining that"I am a bit of a prude and I found getting undressed in front of a camera not a pleasant experience."

Joining Mara Cafagna in the prime minister's cabinet are three other women in charge of the environment (Stefania Prestigiacomo), education (Maria Stella), and youth (Giorgia Meloni).