Beatrice Lorenzin

Beatrice Lorenzin (born 14 October 1971) is an Italian politician belonging to the Democratic Party, former leader of Popular Alternative, and former Minister of Health from 28 April 2013 to 1 June 2018, in the governments of Enrico Letta, Matteo Renzi and Paolo Gentiloni. In 2018 she became one of the longest-serving health minister in the history of the Italian Republic.

Early life

Beatrice Lorenzin was born in Rome on 14 October 1971. Her father was Istrian Italian, forced to leave his home during the Istrian–Dalmatian exodus. After graduating from high school (classical lyceum), she enrolled in the faculty of law, but did not complete her studies.

Political career

Lorenzin works with the local newspaper "Il Giornale di Ostia", before entering politics, joining in 1996 a local section of the youth movement of Forza Italia, the liberal conservative political party led by media magnate Silvio Berlusconi. In October 1997 was elected to the council of Rome's 13th district. In April 1999 she became regional coordinator of the FI's youth movement. In May 2001, she was also elected town councilor of Rome, for the centre-right coalition. In 2005 she was appointed coordinator of the Lazio group of Forza Italia and served in the post until 2006.

In the 2008 general election, Lorenzin was elected for the first time in the Chamber of Deputies, running in the centre-right People of Freedom, the new party led by Berlusconi. During the legislature she was a member of the Constitutional Affairs Commission and became a notable politician of the centre-right coalition.