The social affairs minister for the German state of Brandenburg, Diana Golze, was injured by a falling tree while on vacation in northern Italy.
The incident took place on Thursday when a storm hit the campsite where the minister was staying, said ministry spokeswoman Marina Ringel on Friday.
Golze was taken to hospital and operated on immediately, and is said to be recovering well.
Since November 2014, the 42-year-old Golze has been Brandenburg's minister of employment, social affairs, health, women and family.
