Leader of the Democratic Party at the Chamber of Deputies since March 2018.
He was Minister for Regional Affairs and Autonomy in Enrico Letta’s Cabinet, later taking on also the responsibility for Sports. In Matteo Renzi’s Cabinet he performed as the Undersecretary at the Premiership, as secretary of the Council and with responsibility for Territorial/local Cohesiveness and for Sports. In April 2015 he was nominated Minister of infrastructure and transport which was reconfirmed in Gentiloni’s Cabinet.
Before the national roles, he was elected mayor of Reggio-Emilia (2004) and then reconfirmed for the following mandate (2009).