(born 9 August 1939) is an Italian politician and statesman. Since 17 May 2006, he has served as President of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) of Italy following the victory of his The Union coalition over the House of Freedoms (Casa delle Libertà) led by Silvio Berlusconi in the April 2006 Italian elections. On 24 January 2008, he lost a vote of confidence in the Senate house, and consequently tendered his resignation as prime minister to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. He is still currently in office for the routine business, and will retain his post as prime minister until a successor is appointed.

Prodi previously ran in 1996 as Olive Tree candidate, winning the election and serving as Prime Minister until 1998. He then served as President of the European Commission from 1999 to 2004. Since 14 October 2007, he has also been the first President of the newborn Democratic Party. Since 17 January 2008, he has also been the Minister of Justice ad interim.