Italy names new economy minister

The previous minister, Giulio Tremonti, was forced from office earlier this month when he fell out with allies of the coalition.

Mr Berlusconi caused an uproar when he took on the portfolio himself.

Italy, which faces European Commission fines over its deficit, is under pressure to sort out its finances.

The deficit is currently forecast at 3.2% of GDP, above the critical 3% level.

Prime Minister Berlusconi also has to find some way of fulfilling his 2001 election campaign pledge of slashing taxes by 2006.

Mr Siniscalco, 50, has a PhD in economics from Cambridge University in Britain and a diploma in law from Turin University.

He is said to be an expert on privatisation.

Domenico Siniscalco Director General of the Treasury, from October 2001 to dateBorn in Turin, 1954; married; two sons. Laurea in Law, Turin University; PhD in Economics, Cambridge University.

Full Professor of Economics at the University of Turin, (currently on leave) after lecturing previously at LUISS, University of Cagliari, John Hopkins University, University of Cambridge, UCL-CORE.

Prior to his appointment as Director General of the Treasury, has served on the Board of numerous listed companies, among which ENI, Telecom Italia.

He is author of over 90 scientific publications on privatisations, environmental economics, industrial organization published in refereed journals. Before he was appointed as Director General, he has been columnist of the Sole 24 Ore.