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.

[1][3][4] 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.

[7] 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.

[1][8] When, just a few days later, Brancher invoked an immunity law that protects ministers from prosecution, the opposition accused Berlusconi of making the appointment solely to save his friend from the court hearing.

[9] Following the President’s comments, the opposition, along with members of Brancher’s own party, threatened a motion of no confidence unless he resigned.