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After the invasion of Italy by Allied forces in 1943, Italy and its government were split in two. Mussolini's Grand Fascist Council, with the co-operation of the King Victor Emanuel II, overthrew Mussolini and established a new government headed by acting Prime Minister Pietro Badoglio. The Germans set up Mussolini as a puppet ruler of the Fasists in the north, called the Government of Salo(for the town where his government ruled from), until he was executed in 1945.

Alcide De Gasperi was selected as the Prime Minister during this turbulent times(not sure exactly how or when this occurred). He served from 1945 to 1953 for eight successive Christian Democratic governments. His eight-year rule remains a landmark of political longevity for one leader in modern Italian politics.

Towards the end of the war, there was a big turmoil and discussion about retaining the monoarch. The King Victor Emanuel II was replaced by his son Umberto II who reigned for only forty days in May 1946. The country voted on a referendum that was very controversal but eventually exiled the king and eliminated the monarchy once and for all.

The Italian government after WW2 is difficult to understand. It changed leadership about once every year.

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13y ago

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