Aldo Brancher

Aldo Brancher (born 30 May 1943; Trichiana, Veneto) is an Italian politician. He served as a minister without portfolio in the Government of Silvio Berlusconi for 17 days in June/July 2010 but was forced to resign due to a pending court case.

Early career Before his political career, Brancher was a Pauline priest. He was a key figure in the publication of the Paulines' magazine, Famiglia Cristiana. After leaving the priesthood, he worked for Berlusconi's advertising house, Publitalia '80, before moving on to Berlusconi's holding company, Fininvest. He served three months in San Vittore prison for false accounting and for illegally funding the Italian Socialist Party, but was released on a technicality following a ruling by the Court of Cassation.

Political career Brancher was elected to the 14th legislature of the Italian Chamber of Deputies in May 2001 and was re-elected in April 2006 and April 2008. He was appointed as a Secretary of State with responsibility for reform on 12 May 2008. A few days later, his responsibility was changed to decentralisation as the Lega Nord – partners in Berlusconi's coalition Government – was concerned that his role would conflict with that of its leader, Umberto Bossi, who was Minister for Federal Reforms. At the time of his appointment, Brancher was facing trial for alleged embezzlement during the 2005 takeover of Antonveneta. Following the President’s comments, the opposition, along with members of Brancher’s own party, threatened a motion of no confidence unless he resigned.