Italian Republic

Italy, 1946 to today.

Italians voted for a republic in 1946. A democratic constitution, a post-war economic boom and founding membership of the European Community turned Italy into a major industrial nation.

Seat of power: Rome

Rulers

Alcide De Gasperi

Prime Minister, 1945–1953

Led eight governments as head of the Christian Democrats. He steered Italy through the new constitution, anchored it in NATO and the Marshall Plan, and helped start European integration.

Portrait of Alcide De Gasperi: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, file

Sergio Mattarella

President of the Republic, 2015 to today

Head of state in a parliamentary republic: he appoints prime ministers, can dissolve parliament and guards the constitution. He was re-elected in 2022.

Portrait of Sergio Mattarella: Unknown authorUnknown author, Attribution, file

Culture

Neorealist films such as Bicycle Thieves (1948) show everyday life after the war.
The Fiat 500 (1957) and the Vespa scooter become icons of the economic miracle.
The Treaties of Rome (1957) found the European Economic Community.

Picture

A 1970 Fiat 500 L. The small Fiat of the economic miracle put Italy on wheels.

Image: IFCAR, Public domain, file