Jeannette Jara’s campaign adopts the Italian singer’s image to rally left-wing voters in Chile

In a striking blend of European pop culture and Chilean politics, the late Italian singer Raffaella Carrà has emerged as an unlikely emblem for the Communist Party’s supporters in this year’s presidential race. Jeannette Jara, the left-wing candidate, has plastered campaign posters across the nation bearing Carrà’s smiling visage—a nod to the artist’s well-documented affection for the Italian Communist Party (PCI) during her lifetime.

Carrà, who passed away in 2021, was an unapologetic admirer of socialist ideals, frequently expressing solidarity with workers’ movements in her concerts and television appearances. Chilean campaign strategists seized on this legacy, believing that Carrà’s universal appeal could resonate with younger voters and bridge generational divides.

“We wanted an icon who represents joy, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to equality,” said Camila Herrera, Jara’s campaign manager. “Raffaella Carrà embodies these values, and her legacy transcends borders. By featuring her image, we’re emphasizing that our struggle is part of a larger, global movement for social justice.”

Across Santiago’s Plaza Italia and beyond, billboards showcase Carrà’s trademark bob hairstyle and radiant smile alongside Jara’s campaign slogan. In rallies, supporters wave banners depicting Carrà in her iconic red dress—evoking the PCI’s colors—to chants of “Jeannette y Raffaella, fuerza popular!”

Political analysts note the symbolic potency of Carrà’s endorsement from beyond the grave. “Carrà was a cultural bridge,” commented Dr. Ignacio Morales, a professor of political culture at the University of Chile. “Her adoption by Jara’s campaign sends a message of international solidarity and reminds older voters of left-wing movements in the 1970s, while offering a fresh, pop-infused brand for Gen Z and Millennials.”

Jeannette Jara herself has embraced the strategy. In a recent televised interview, she recalled childhood afternoons watching Carrà on Italian television, describing how the singer’s performances “inspired a sense of togetherness and unafraid optimism.”

Yet, the move has not been without controversy. Opponents accuse Jara of marketing gimmickry. “Politics is serious,” argued Felipe Valdés, a spokesperson for the centrist coalition. “Deploying a pop star’s image risks trivializing the urgent economic and social issues at stake.” Meanwhile, some PCI historians in Italy have expressed mixed feelings about Carrà’s posthumous political role so far from home.

Despite the critiques, the Carrà phenomenon shows few signs of slowing. Youth turnout in left-leaning districts has spiked during recent primaries, and social media engagement with Jara’s campaign posts featuring Carrà averages three times higher than other content.

With Chile’s presidential election scheduled for November, the stakes remain high. Whether Raffaella Carrà’s infectious spirit can translate into votes for Jeannette Jara will be a test of the enduring power of cultural icons in modern politics—and a testament to the surprising ways bygone figures can shape contemporary movements.