Born in 1939 in Scandiano, Italy, Prodi obtained his doctorate in economics from the Catholic University of Milan and subsequently taught at various Italian universities. He entered politics in the 1970s, serving as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and as Minister of Industry during the 1980s. Prodi was known for his efforts to modernize Italy's economic system and to promote cooperation between Italian businesses and foreign companies. In 1996, Prodi founded the Olive Tree coalition, which brought together center-left parties in Italy. The coalition won the general election, and Prodi became the Prime Minister with a focus on economic reforms and reducing public debt. However, his government faced numerous challenges, including political instability and conflicts within the coalition, leading to its collapse in 1998. Prodi's tenure as President of the European Commission was marked by his commitment to the enlargement of the European Union and the establishment of the euro currency. During this time, he also led efforts to streamline the EU's decision-making processes and improve its global competitiveness. However, his leadership was often criticized for being indecisive and lacking strong political support. In 2006, Prodi returned to Italian politics and once again became the Prime Minister. His government faced difficulties in implementing its policy agenda, especially regarding labor market reform, resulting in internal divisions and distrust within the coalition. Prodi's government collapsed in 2008 due to a confidence vote in Parliament. Despite these challenges, Prodi's political career has left a lasting impact on Italy and the European Union. He is recognized for his commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and European integration. Prodi continues to be active in public life, serving as a professor and involved in various international initiatives.