Giuseppe Saragat, born on September 19, 1898, in Turin, Italy, was a significant figure in Italian political history, serving as the fifth President of the Italian Republic from 1964 to 1971. His life and career were marked by his dedication to socialism, his resistance to fascism, and his influential role in shaping post-war Italy. Saragat’s political journey, spanning several decades, reflects the complexities of Italian and European politics in the 20th century, characterized by ideological conflicts, the rise of totalitarian regimes, and the eventual establishment of democratic institutions.
Early Life and Ideological Foundations
Saragat was born into a family of Sardinian origin with Catalan roots, and from an early age, he showed a keen interest in social and political issues. His early political inclinations leaned towards socialism, aligning himself with the reformist wing of the Italian Socialist Party (PSI), which included prominent figures such as Filippo Turati, Claudio Treves, and Camillo Prampolini. These early influences shaped his belief in social democracy, a philosophy that would guide his political actions throughout his life.
During World War I, Saragat served as a volunteer in the Italian army, where he was first a soldier and later an officer. His bravery earned him the War Cross, a recognition of his commitment to his country during a period of intense national and international turmoil.
Opposition to Fascism and Exile
The rise of Benito Mussolini and the establishment of a fascist dictatorship in Italy in 1922 marked a turning point in Saragat’s life. As a staunch opponent of fascism, Saragat found himself increasingly marginalized in the political landscape of Mussolini’s Italy. In 1925, as Mussolini consolidated his power, Saragat joined the newly formed Socialist Unity Party (PSU), which opposed both fascism and the growing influence of the Communist Party.
Saragat’s opposition to Mussolini’s regime led him into exile, first in Austria and later in France. During his time abroad, Saragat became deeply involved in the anti-fascist movement, working alongside other exiled Italian politicians and intellectuals. His experiences in exile, particularly his exposure to the Spanish Civil War and the brutal realities of Stalinist repression, reinforced his growing aversion to Soviet-style communism. This ideological shift would later play a crucial role in his political decisions after World War II.
Post-War Return to Italy and Political Leadership
After Mussolini’s fall in 1943 and the eventual defeat of the fascist regime, Saragat returned to Italy, where he played a pivotal role in the reorganization of the Italian Socialist movement. Alongside Pietro Nenni and Lelio Basso, he worked to reunify the various factions of the Italian left under the banner of the Socialist Party of Proletarian Unity (PSIUP). However, the ideological differences that had emerged during his years in exile, particularly his opposition to communism, soon led to a rift within the party.
In 1947, Saragat broke away from the PSIUP to form the Italian Workers’ Socialist Party (PSLI), a social-democratic party that sought to distance itself from the communists and align more closely with the Western European model of social democracy. This move solidified Saragat’s position as a leading figure in the Italian social-democratic movement, and his party quickly became a key player in the post-war political landscape of Italy.
Role in the Constituent Assembly and the Foundation of the Republic
One of Saragat’s most significant contributions to Italian politics came in the aftermath of World War II, during the drafting of Italy’s new constitution. As a member of the Constituent Assembly, Saragat was elected as its President in 1946, a position that underscored his influence and respect within the anti-fascist coalition that was shaping the future of Italy.
Saragat’s tenure as President of the Constituent Assembly was marked by his efforts to build consensus among the various political factions, including the Christian Democrats, Communists, and Socialists, who were all represented in the Assembly. His leadership helped to navigate the deeply divided political landscape of post-war Italy, resulting in the creation of a democratic constitution that remains in effect to this day.
Formation of the Italian Social Democratic Party (PSDI)
In 1949, Saragat’s PSLI merged with the short-lived Socialist Unity Party (PSU) led by Giuseppe Romita to form the Italian Democratic Socialist Party (PSDI). As the leader of the PSDI, Saragat positioned the party as a moderate force in Italian politics, advocating for social reforms within the framework of a democratic and capitalist society.
The PSDI’s platform emphasized the importance of aligning Italy with the Western bloc during the Cold War, a stance that often put Saragat at odds with the more radical elements of the Italian left, particularly the Communists. Despite these tensions, Saragat’s commitment to social democracy and his ability to attract support from trade unionists, intellectuals, and other key constituencies ensured that the PSDI remained an influential force in Italian politics throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Vice President and Foreign Minister
Saragat’s political career continued to ascend in the 1950s, as he served as Vice President of the Council of Ministers in several governments, including those led by Alcide De Gasperi, Mario Scelba, and Antonio Segni. His role as Vice President allowed him to influence key decisions on economic and social policies during a period of significant reconstruction and growth in post-war Italy.
In 1963, Saragat was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in the first and second governments led by Aldo Moro, a key figure in the Christian Democratic Party. As Foreign Minister, Saragat played a crucial role in strengthening Italy’s ties with Western Europe and the United States, while also advocating for Italy’s involvement in the European Economic Community (EEC), the precursor to the European Union. His tenure as Foreign Minister was marked by his commitment to maintaining Italy’s position within the Western alliance during the height of the Cold War.
Presidency of the Italian Republic (1964-1971)
Giuseppe Saragat’s most significant and enduring legacy is his tenure as President of the Italian Republic, a position he held from 1964 to 1971. His election to the presidency marked the first time a socialist had held the highest office in Italy, a testament to the shifting political landscape of the time.
Saragat’s presidency was characterized by his unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of the Italian Constitution and protecting the democratic institutions of the Republic. He was a strong advocate for the rule of law and often spoke out against the rise of political extremism and violence, which became increasingly prevalent in Italy during the late 1960s, particularly with the onset of the student protests and the emergence of terrorist groups like the Red Brigades.
One of the key themes of Saragat’s presidency was his emphasis on the importance of the Resistance, the anti-fascist movement that had played a crucial role in the liberation of Italy during World War II. Saragat often invoked the legacy of the Resistance in his speeches, using it as a moral foundation for his presidency and as a reminder of the sacrifices made to establish the democratic Republic.
The 1968 Protests and the Rise of Terrorism
The late 1960s were a turbulent time in Italy, as in much of the world, with widespread social unrest, student protests, and the rise of political violence. Saragat’s presidency coincided with the events of 1968, a year that saw massive demonstrations by students and workers demanding political and social reforms. While Saragat sympathized with some of the demands for greater social justice, he was also deeply concerned about the potential for these movements to destabilize the country and undermine its democratic institutions.
Saragat’s response to the protests was measured; he called for dialogue and reform while also emphasizing the need to maintain order and respect for the rule of law. His approach reflected his broader political philosophy, which sought to balance social progress with the preservation of democratic governance.
The rise of terrorism in Italy during the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly the activities of the Red Brigades, posed a significant challenge to Saragat’s presidency. He condemned the use of violence for political ends and worked closely with law enforcement agencies to combat the growing threat of domestic terrorism. Despite these efforts, the issue of political violence would continue to plague Italy for years after his presidency.
Legacy and Post-Presidential Years
Giuseppe Saragat’s presidency ended in 1971, and he was succeeded by Giovanni Leone, a member of the Christian Democratic Party. After leaving the presidency, Saragat continued to play a role in Italian politics, although he gradually retreated from the public eye. His later years were marked by his reflections on the challenges and achievements of his presidency, as well as his continued involvement in the Social Democratic Party.
Saragat’s legacy is that of a statesman who was deeply committed to the principles of social democracy and the defense of democratic institutions. His political career, spanning more than five decades, was characterized by his steadfast opposition to totalitarianism, his advocacy for social justice, and his efforts to navigate the complex political landscape of post-war Italy.
He passed away on June 11, 1988, in Rome. His death was widely mourned across the political spectrum, and even his former political adversaries, such as the Communists, paid tribute to his contributions to Italian democracy. Giancarlo Pajetta, a prominent Communist leader, poignantly remarked in the newspaper L’Unità, “Today a comrade has died,” signaling the deep respect Saragat had earned even from those who had once been his fiercest critics.
Conclusion
Giuseppe Saragat remains a towering figure in Italian history, a man whose life and career reflected the tumultuous changes of the 20th century. From his early days as a socialist activist to his role as President of the Italian Republic, Saragat’s contributions to the development of Italian democracy are undeniable. His commitment to social democracy, his leadership during a time of great change, and his efforts to steer Italy through some of its most challenging moments have left an indelible mark on the country’s history.
Saragat’s life story is a testament to the power of political conviction and the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs, even in the face of adversity. As Italy continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world, the lessons of Saragat’s life and leadership remain as relevant today as they were during his time.
