Carola Rackete, known for her courageous actions as captain of the Sea-Watch 3 migrant rescue vessel in the Mediterranean, has announced her candidacy for the European Parliament elections with Germany’s Left (Die Linke) party. In an interview with ANSA, Rackete discusses her motivations and aspirations for entering European politics.
Despite her prominent role in migrant rescue operations, Rackete emphasizes that her activism extends beyond migration issues. With a background in environmental studies, she aims to bring her expertise on climate change to the forefront of European policymaking.
Rackete gained international attention in 2019 when she defied Italy’s then-interior minister Matteo Salvini by docking the Sea-Watch 3 in the port of Lampedusa with rescued migrants on board. While her actions were celebrated by migrant advocates, Rackete underscores that her activism should not be reduced to a single event but viewed within the broader context of environmental and social justice causes.
Reflecting on her experiences with the Italian justice system, Rackete acknowledges the privileges afforded to European citizens compared to migrants facing legal proceedings. She advocates for greater transparency and accountability within the European Union, particularly in addressing corporate interests and promoting equitable distribution of wealth to combat climate change.
Despite her current foray into politics, Rackete envisions returning to her roots as a climate scientist in the long term. With a commitment to environmental activism and social justice, she remains dedicated to advancing progressive agendas both within and outside the realm of politics.