Luigi Brugnaro

Luigi Brugnaro
Name	Luigi Brugnaro
Office	Mayor of Venice
Term start	15 June 2015
Predecessor	Giorgio Orsoni
Birth date	13 September 1961
Birth place	Venice, Italy
Party	Independent (since 2015), The People of Freedom (until 2015)
Spouse	Laura Grosso
Alma mater	University of Padua
Occupation	Businessman, politician

Luigi Brugnaro is an Italian businessman and politician who has served as the Mayor of Venice since 2015. An independent figure with a background in the private sector, his tenure has been defined by major infrastructural projects, contentious debates over tourism in Venice, and navigating complex challenges like acqua alta and MOSE. Brugnaro's pragmatic, business-oriented approach has made him a prominent and often polarizing figure in contemporary Italian politics.

Early life and education

Luigi Brugnaro was born on 13 September 1961 in the sestiere of Cannaregio in Venice. He grew up in a family with a strong connection to the Venetian Lagoon, where his father worked as a gondolier. Brugnaro attended the Istituto Tecnico Industriale Statale "Guglielmo Marconi" in Venice before pursuing higher education. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical engineering from the University of Padua, an institution known for its scientific and technical faculties. His academic background provided a foundation for his subsequent career in industrial management and business development.

Business career

Prior to entering politics, Brugnaro built a significant business empire, primarily through the Umana group, a major Italian temporary work and human resources company he founded and led as Chairman and CEO. Under his leadership, Umana expanded into various sectors including industrial cleaning, security services, and logistics. He also served as president of the Venice Industrial Union, a key local business association, and was a board member of several important institutions like Assonime and the Venice Biennale. His business acumen and network within Confindustria established him as a powerful figure in Northeast Italy's economic landscape.

Political career

Brugnaro's political involvement began with membership in Forza Italia and later The People of Freedom, though he operated largely as a business advocate rather than a party insider. His decisive entry into electoral politics came with the 2015 Venice municipal election, where he ran as an independent, centre-right candidate emphasizing managerial competence. He won the election, defeating candidates from the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement, and was sworn in on 15 June 2015. He was re-elected in the 2020 election, solidifying his political standing.

Mayor of Venice

As Mayor of Venice, Brugnaro has presided over a period of profound challenges and transformations for the Comune di Venezia. His administration has aggressively promoted large-scale projects like the MOSE project flood barrier system and the controversial Jersey barriers installed in Piazza San Marco. He has implemented strict regulations to manage overtourism, including the introduction of a day-tripper entry fee and limits on cruise ship traffic in the Giudecca Canal. His tenure has also seen significant clashes with cultural institutions and activists over issues such as the management of the Venice Biennale and protests during the Venice Film Festival.

Political positions and views

Politically, Brugnaro is a conservative independent, often aligning with the centre-right coalition on a national level while maintaining autonomy. He is a strong advocate for fiscal conservatism, public-private partnerships, and devolution of powers to local governments. He has been a vocal critic of the Italian government's handling of immigration, particularly regarding the reception of asylum seekers in the Veneto region. On social issues, he has opposed LGBT adoption and supported traditional family structures, positions that have sparked controversy with groups like Arcigay. He maintains a staunchly pro-business, anti-bureaucracy platform.

Personal life

Luigi Brugnaro is married to Laura Grosso, and the couple has four children. A passionate sports enthusiast, he is the president of the Umana Reyer Venezia professional basketball club, which competes in the Italian Serie A and the EuroCup. He is also an avid sailor and motorboat racer, frequently participating in regattas in the Adriatic Sea. Brugnaro resides in Venice and is known for his direct, sometimes combative, communication style.

Category:1961 births Category:Living people Category:Mayors of Venice Category:Italian businesspeople Category:Independent politicians in Italy Category:University of Padua alumni