APCOM

It's now official. Umberto Veronesi, Scientific Director of the European Institute of Oncology in Milano, is the top list Democratic Party's candidate for Italian Senate in Lombardy. Walter Veltroni made the announcement last Friday.

"I accepted to run with Walter Veltroni to give Italy a real contribute. I would like to give a hand to improve Italian Sanity System and the Health ministry, no matter which political party will take power". This is how Umberto Veronesi commented his candidature.

"The age is not a problem" said to Italian newspaper Repubblica the 82 years old former minister. "What is important now is the brain quality, not the age". But Avvenire, Italian Bishops' newspaper, was very critical with his political future. "I'm not an Anti-Christ", said Veronesi. "I just want to collaborate with catholic politicians such as Paola Binetti and Francesco Rutelli, a very close friend of mine". But Paola Binetti, a representative of Italian Teo-Dem politicians in Italy, already said that she doesn't want Veronesi to be a minister in a future Pd government.

"I'm not afraid of these polemics - said Veronesi - because I just want to give Italy a better Sanity. With Formigoni I always had a good relationship. As region Governor, he always helped me to improve new sanity projects and I think that, for what concern big themes, we won't be in contrast".