Matteo Renzi, or Italy’s JFK, accepts PM job and forms cabinet
Newly appointed Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi arrives to speak with reporters on February 21, 2014 in Rome. Renzi named his new cabinet after accepting the role of prime minister.
The former Boy Scout turned Italian prime minister named his cabinet on Friday, the next step in what Matteo Renzi hopes will lead to economic prosperity and political stability in his country.
Renzi, 39, was mayor of Florence before orchestrating a power grab inside his Democratic Party. The handsome, ambitious politician is to become Europe's youngest leader.
He’s expected to be sworn in Saturday, taking on the job of leading a coalition government after Italian voters couldn’t decide on a majority in the last election.
Renzi wasn’t elected; he assumed power, the third Italian PM to do so, and will be asked to shepherd Europe's third-largest economy back from the brink of collapse.
“We’re aiming to get started on things that need to be done from tomorrow morning,” he said after a meeting with President Giorgio Napolitano, Reuters reported.
His government combines well-known names and up-and-comers. Here’s a closer look at the highlights:
Pier Carlo Padoan, Finance Minister: the 63-year-old is chief economist at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Angelino Alfano, Interior Minister: former deputy PM and interior minister who championed Italy’s fight against the mafia. He heads the New Center Right party as part of the coalition government, but he loses his title of deputy PM.
Federica Mogherini, Foreign Minister: brings a wealth of expertise in European relations and has studied the link between Islam and politics.
Andrea Orlando, Justice Minister: is former environment minister who might be taking over his new post as concession to former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, the local press reported.
Roberta Pinotti, Defense Minister: the first woman in the job, she was undersecretary at the ministry. She’s helped frame legislation on international missions and banning cluster bombs.
Maria Carmela Lanzetta, Regional Affairs Minister: ex-mayor of Monasterace and another unafraid to combat organized crime. She’s famous for taking on the 'Ndrangheta clan.
Federica Guidi, Industry Minister: a chief executive of electronics company Ducati Energia.
Giuliano Poletti, Labor Minister: headed the business cooperative Legacoop.
Dario Franceschini , Culture Minister: a lawyer and writer.
Beatrice Lorenzin, Health Minister: retains the job she’s held since last April.
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