Plan B Forum

HIS age, family life and political inclinations may be sharply at odds with those of Silvio Berlusconi, but Italy’s latest prime minister, Matteo Renzi, has been accused of appointing female ministers based purely on their looks and youth — just like his playboy predecessor. Renzi, 39, became prime minister in February after leading an internal party coup against his predecessor, and formed a government that was remarkable for its youth and high proportion of women. Of the 16 members of the cabinet, eight are women.

Maria Elena Boschi - Minister of Constitutional Reforms and Relations with Parliament



Federica Mogherini - Foreign Minister


Marianna Madia - Minister for Public Administration


Debora Serrachiani - Deputy Secretary, Democratic Party

“I believe some of the ministers were chosen because they are young and also good-looking,” said Rosy Bindi, a grande dame of Renzi’s Democratic Party.

MajGenl.Meade wrote:

formed a government that was remarkable for its youth and high proportion of women. Of the 16 members of the cabinet, eight are women.