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Italian Social Democrat Paolo Gentiloni will be in charge of the Economy. Here in December 2018 while he was President of the Italian Council. REUTERS / Max Rossi

Ursula von der Layen entrusted Paolo Gentiloni of Italy with the portfolio of Economic Affairs. A prominent political figure in Italy - he was Foreign Minister and presided over the government - Pierre Moscovici's successor is also well known on the international scene. This is the first time that an Italian becomes Commissioner for Economic Affairs.

With our correspondent in Rome, Anne Treca

The new Italian government has chosen to send to Brussels what is best in store, one would be tempted to say. A respected profile at home and abroad for his moderation and sobriety.

Although he was a Maoist in his youth, Paolo Gentiloni has long since become a true social democrat, with a smooth and brilliant career in the Democratic Party (PD).

At 64, Paolo Gentiloni has one of the most accomplished courses of the members of the new European Commission. Member of Parliament, several times minister, former President of the Council, he speaks French and English and speaks to many heads of state.

Its program: to revive growth, the development of southern regions of Europe and European investment in Africa.

At the European Commission , Paolo Gentiloni will also control the public accounts of the states and therefore those of his own country, the indebted Italy , which hopes to obtain from Brussels a revision of the stability pact. He will then judge and leave. A challenge.

The appointment of Gentiloni to Economic Affairs is proof that with the new coalition , Italy is back in force in the European game.