Mario Monti is an Italian economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Italy from November 2011 to April 2013. He was appointed during a time of economic crisis and is known for implementing austerity measures and structural reforms to stabilize the Italian economy. Monti previously held positions in academia and served as a European Commissioner for Competition. Born on March 19, 1943, in Varese, Italy, Monti has a strong academic background, earning degrees from Bocconi University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has been involved in various international organizations, including the European Union, and has contributed to discussions on economic policy and governance.