Generated by DeepSeek V3.2| Antonio Tajani | |
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| Name | Antonio Tajani |
| Caption | Tajani in 2022 |
| Office | Deputy Prime Minister of Italy |
| Term start | 22 October 2022 |
| Primeminister | Giorgia Meloni |
| Office1 | Minister of Foreign Affairs |
| Term start1 | 22 October 2022 |
| Primeminister1 | Giorgia Meloni |
| Predecessor1 | Luigi Di Maio |
| Office2 | President of the European Parliament |
| Term start2 | 17 January 2017 |
| Term end2 | 3 July 2019 |
| Predecessor2 | Martin Schulz |
| Successor2 | David Sassoli |
| Office3 | European Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship |
| Term start3 | 9 February 2010 |
| Term end3 | 1 July 2014 |
| President3 | José Manuel Barroso |
| Predecessor3 | Günter Verheugen |
| Successor3 | Ferdinando Nelli Feroci |
| Office4 | European Commissioner for Transport |
| Term start4 | 9 May 2008 |
| Term end4 | 9 February 2010 |
| President4 | José Manuel Barroso |
| Predecessor4 | Jacques Barrot |
| Successor4 | Siim Kallas |
| Birth date | 4 August 1953 |
| Birth place | Rome, Italy |
| Party | Forza Italia |
| Otherparty | The People of Freedom (2009–2013), Forza Italia (1994–2009) |
| Alma mater | Sapienza University of Rome |
| Profession | Journalist, Politician |
Antonio Tajani is an Italian politician and journalist who has served as Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs since October 2022 in the government of Giorgia Meloni. A prominent figure in Forza Italia, he previously held high-profile roles within the European Union, including President of the European Parliament from 2017 to 2019 and European Commissioner for Transport and later for Industry and Entrepreneurship. His career spans Italian politics, European institutions, and journalism, notably with the RAI state broadcaster.
Antonio Tajani was born on 4 August 1953 in Rome. He developed an early interest in current affairs and politics. He pursued higher education at the Sapienza University of Rome, where he graduated in Law. During his university years, he became involved with youth political movements, laying the groundwork for his future career. He also completed mandatory military service as an officer in the Italian Air Force, an experience that influenced his later focus on defense and security policy.
Tajani's political career began in the 1990s following his work as a journalist for RAI and Il Giornale. He was a founding member of Forza Italia, the party created by media magnate Silvio Berlusconi. He was first elected to the European Parliament in 1994, representing Central Italy. A loyal ally of Berlusconi, Tajani held several key positions within the European People's Party group. He served as a spokesperson for Forza Italia and later for The People of Freedom, demonstrating his role as a bridge between Italian national politics and the European Union.
Within the European Parliament, Tajani held influential positions. He served as Quaestor and later as a Vice-President of the European Parliament. His tenure culminated in his election as President of the European Parliament in January 2017, succeeding Martin Schulz. As President, he presided over debates during critical periods, including the negotiations surrounding Brexit and discussions on the EU-Turkey relations. He emphasized institutional continuity and dialogue, working closely with the European Commission under Jean-Claude Juncker and the European Council.
Following his European career, Tajani returned to national politics. After the 2022 Italian general election, he was appointed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this role, he has been a key figure in shaping Italy's stance on major international issues, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, relations with the United States under President Joe Biden, and diplomacy within the Mediterranean region. He also concurrently serves as the national coordinator for Forza Italia.
Tajani is a center-right politician with Christian democratic and liberal conservative views. He is a strong proponent of European integration and Atlanticism, advocating for a robust NATO alliance. His policy priorities have included bolstering European industry, supporting SMEs during his time as Commissioner, and promoting a common EU defense policy. On migration, he supports European solutions and has called for stronger cooperation with nations like Tunisia and Libya. He is also a vocal defender of Christian heritage in Europe.
Antonio Tajani is married to Brunella Tajani, and the couple has two sons. He is known for his passion for history, particularly military history, and is an avid reader. A devout Catholic, his faith often informs his political outlook. Before entering politics full-time, he worked as a professional journalist and maintains a strong interest in media affairs. He is also a recipient of several national honors, including the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Category:1953 births Category:Living people Category:Italian deputy prime ministers Category:Italian Ministers of Foreign Affairs Category:Presidents of the European Parliament Category:Forza Italia (2013) politicians Category:People from Rome