Andrea Orlando

Andrea Orlando (born 8 February 1969) is an Italian politician who served as minister of labour and social policies from 2021 to 2022 in the cabinet led by Prime Minister Mario Draghi. From 2013 to 2014 he served as minister of the environment under Enrico Letta and as minister of justice under Matteo Renzi and Paolo Gentiloni from 2014 to 2018. He served as deputy secretary of the Democratic Party between 2019 and 2021.

Originally active within the Communist Party, Orlando became a founding member of the PD in 2007, and has since been regarded as a senior representative of its left-wing. He was first elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 2006, where he has represented Liguria since.

Early life

Orlando was born in La Spezia on 8 February 1969. His parents came from the Southern region of Campania. He is a high-school graduate with a major in scientific subjects. He attended the scientific lyceum, Antonio Pacinotti.

Political career

Career in local politics

Orlando began his political career in Italian Communist Party. In 1989, he was elected provincial secretary of the Italian Communist Youth Federation (FGCI) for his hometown, and in 1990 he was elected to the city council of La Spezia with the party. In 1995 he became city secretary for the Democratic Party of the Left.

Career in national politics

In 2003, Orlando became deputy national coordinator of the Democrats of the Left.

Orlando first became a member of the Chamber of Deputies in the 2006 Italian general election, representing the Liguria constituency. He served in different parliamentary commissions.