Mr Domenico Siniscalco has stepped down from the post of Italian Minister of Finance and been replaced by Mr Giulio Tremonti, who took up his position on 23 September 2005.

Before becoming Minister of Finance Mr Giulio Tremonti, 58 years old, served as Vice-President of Italy's Council of Ministers from April 2005 to September 2005, Minister of Economy and Finance from June 2001 to July 2004 and Minister of Finance from May 1994 to January 1995.

He is Vice-President of Forza Italia political party. He is also a Professor at the University of Pavia.