Maria Pappa

Maria Pappa (born 1971) is a Swiss-Italian politician. A member of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland, she was elected to the City Parliament of St. Gallen in 2013 and to the St. Gallen City Council in 2017. As a city councilor, she served as Head of the Planning and Construction Directorate. In 2020, she became the first woman, and the first Seconda, to be elected as Mayor of St. Gallen. Upon taking office in 2021, she heads the city's Interior and Finance Directorate.

Early life and education Pappa was born in St. Gallen in 1971. Her parents, Michele and Saveria Pappa, immigrated to Switzerland from Calabria in the 1960s. As a child, Pappa spoke Italian and did not learn German until she was in primary school.

Career Pappa became a member of the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland in 2012.

In November 2020, Pappa was elected as the first woman and first Seconda mayor of St. Gallen. Pappa defeated Mathias Gabathuler in the mayoral race. She took office in 2021, succeeding the FDP politician Thomas Scheitlin. Her term will last from 2021 until 2024.

Personal life Pappa became a naturalized citizen of Switzerland in 2010 so that she could be politically active. She is a dual citizen of Italy and Switzerland.

She is a practicing Catholic. She was involved with the Blauring St. Gallenkappel and served on the pastoral and deanery council.