Michele Pala, Italian ambassador to Sweden with origins in Luras: «My heart is in Sardinia»

The bond with Sardinia is very strong, the land that gave birth to the paternal branch of his family. Michele Pala, Italian ambassador to Sweden, according to the documents was born in Catania in 1967: «My father Aldo, an army officer, was in Sicily at that time, but in reality I never went back».

However, the association with Luras is very different: «I consider it the place of belonging, even if ideal, my grandfather Salvatore was the town doctor. Someone like me, who has chosen a nomadic life, needs to know where he comes from."

The family home still stands in the Gallura village. But not only that: «My Brazilian wife and I got married in Luras 27 years ago». His two children, however, were born in other parts of the world: one in South Africa, the other in Uruguay.

Michele Pala was appointed Italian ambassador to Sweden at the beginning of 2024. In his career he has been in Pretoria, Montevideo, Washington, Sao Paulo.

What do you have left of these realities?

«Every country leaves something, especially if, as in my case, a child was born or raised there. In my profession it is essential to be curious, to see beyond what appears at first sight. For example, South Africa is very interesting historically and has a beauty like few others with its colors and landscapes. Uruguay is a small piece of Europe, a very civilized state and you carry it with you as a lesson. Brazil is lively and intense with an atmosphere that is difficult to imitate. The United States, which we know through the media and films, offers a different reality and it was a unique experience."

But do Swedes know Sardinia?

«Yes, they love Italy, obviously not everyone has been to Sardinia. Being a curious people, they travel often. Here I met many people who have visited the island or who wish to reach it."

How many Italians are there in Sweden?

«Over 20 thousand registered, but there are many more, perhaps even 30 thousand. And out of 10 and a half million inhabitants it is a significant community, made up not so much of former emigrants but of researchers, university professors, employees of centers of excellence."

Are there prospects for those arriving from Italy?

«Prospects yes but for qualified jobs, let's not forget that Sweden is a country at the forefront of innovation. Research centers are opening in which a lot is invested and then there is the entire Northern exploration sector from the point of view of energy and resources transition."

Do you work 6 hours a day?

«It depends on many elements, there is certainly an excellent balance between work and personal life, with a consistent separation. A band of privacy considered inviolable."

And at the welfare level?

«It is very developed, the health system is public and the benefits are numerous».

Any examples?

«They have great incentives for the family, kindergartens, schools. This can be confirmed by simply walking down the street, there are many children. There are numerous regulations on maternity and paternity and other forms of social support that are working here."

From Sardinia to Sweden: would it be a risky leap? For the climate, for the social context, or for something else.

«I'll give you an example: I arrived here on January 2nd, it was -15 degrees, the impact was harsh, it was the middle of winter. It has snowed these days. However, even under the white blanket that gives beautiful emotions by reflecting the sun, Stockholm has a great charm. And the days are getting longer and longer now. It's just a matter of dealing with the first period, then you can enjoy great beauty."

How was the impact on daily life?

«I wasn't used to putting cleats under my shoes. They are similar to rubber bands with protruding pins to prevent falls on the ice. Then I never thought of having to deal with the "icicles" falling from the roofs. And the many bicycles. As for the food, not much has changed, the food is very good here too, the wine is perhaps a little expensive. I like to talk about our Sardinian centenarians who, when asked what their secret is, always answer by mentioning the famous drink a day."

What does representing Italy abroad mean to you?

«It is the greatest honor and privilege one can have but also a great responsibility. Those who choose this profession do so with the pride of entering, every day, a building where the tricolor flies, our flag, which is a demonstration of what Italy is, of who Italians are. Even from this point of view you can work in favor of your country and its image."

What are the duties of an ambassador?

«Entertain relations with governments, with the entire society of the country in which it is accredited. Having supervision of political, economic, cultural relations, we are doing a great job on scientific and technological cooperation, there is vast potential, we collaborate in the promotion of visual arts, music, theater, cinema, without forgetting the needs of our compatriots."

What are the requests of Italians in the area?

«Issuance of the electronic identity card, passport, updates on civil status, registration in the registry office, notary services. Then there are the extraordinary services such as the European elections in June: Italians who do not vote for Swedish candidates can vote for Italian MEPs."

How do you see Italy from Sweden?

«Much better than you might think. We often have this idea that there are prejudices, but there is great sympathy for Italy. We are far away but Italy and Sweden both overlook the sea, many come on holiday, they love our gastronomy and our culture, and our job here is also to explain that there is much more. We have excellence, and the Swedes know it, because exports are also made up of machinery and technology. Sweden invests a lot in Italy."

We Italians should learn many things in general from Northern European countries, for example about respect for the environment and sustainability. What else?

«With a personal consideration I would say civic sense, respect for common things which here in Sweden is very high: from not throwing anything on the ground to driving with caution. The concept of caring for the public good because I feel it is mine."

Italy-Sweden: what are the strengths of this friendship?

«Diversity, the fact of being within the European Community, two countries that look at each other with sympathy. They are different elements that attract each other."

What are the sectors in which you can invest more?

«That of scientific and technological cooperation, we have a great capital made up of Italian researchers who work here, we are one of the most present countries. There are also heads of hospitals and managers in large companies. In short, there is ample room for further improvement."

A few weeks ago Sweden officially joined NATO after its neutrality in the past. What do you think will change?

«Sweden has already changed, having joined NATO is very important, the perception of the threat here is felt very strongly, the reassurance of the largest political-military alliance in the world is a significant aspect. It must be said that Sweden is also able to offer a large contribution. There are developments from the point of view of military cooperation, which is intense between allies compared to when we were just "friends", and industrial collaboration in different sectors. It is an epochal change, the celebrations have been very heartfelt in recent weeks and after many years of neutrality we will see the results over time also with the adaptation of the infrastructure, there are in fact NATO standards to be achieved".

Next step in your career?

«I don't know yet, what I know is that in the distant future, there will be the Sardinia option for retirement. Luras or Cagliari, because the capital seems to me to have the right dimension for the life I imagine, I am a big Cagliari fan, and I feel that my blood is Sardinian, my heart is in Sardinia, perhaps even my soul".