Bettino Craxi, Italian lawyer and politician, 45th Prime Minister of Italy (b. 1934)

Benedetto "Bettino" Craxi, whose name is pronounced [betˈtiːno ˈkraksi] in Italian and [ˈkɾaʃʃɪ] in Sicilian (UK: KRAK-see), was a pivotal Italian statesman born on 24 February 1934 and passing away on 19 January 2000. He dominated Italian politics for nearly two decades, leading the Italian Socialist Party (PSI) from 1976 to 1993 and serving as the 45th Prime Minister of Italy from 1983 to 1987. His tenure as Prime Minister marked a significant moment in the nation's history, as he was the first member of the Italian Socialist Party to achieve this high office and only the third from any socialist party in Italy to do so, highlighting a shift in the country's traditionally Christian Democratic-dominated political landscape.

A Transformative Leader and Prime Minister

Craxi's ascendancy to the leadership of the PSI in 1976 signaled a strategic shift for the party, moving it away from its traditional Marxist roots towards a more centrist, social-democratic platform. This transformation was crucial in positioning the PSI as a key player in the complex Italian political landscape of the so-called First Republic (1948-1992), a period characterized by proportional representation, frequent coalition governments, and a highly fragmented party system. His leadership revitalized the PSI, making it an indispensable component of governmental stability.

His premiership, which lasted an impressive four years, holds the distinction of being the third-longest government in the history of the Italian Republic. During this period, Craxi led a "Pentapartito" coalition, a broad alliance comprising the Christian Democracy, PSI, Italian Republican Party, Italian Liberal Party, and Italian Social Democratic Party. This government aimed to bring political stability and implement significant economic and social reforms. Key policy initiatives under his administration included efforts to control soaring inflation and modernize the Italian economy. Notably, his government undertook controversial but ultimately effective reforms to the "Scala Mobile," a wage indexation system that linked salaries to inflation. By reducing its automatic inflationary impact, despite initial strong union opposition, these reforms played a critical role in curbing Italy's high inflation rates. Craxi is widely considered one of the most powerful and prominent politicians of the First Republic, known for his decisive leadership style and his exceptional ability to navigate intricate political alliances and challenges.

An Assertive International Statesman

Bettino Craxi was not only a domestic force but also a prominent figure on the international stage, particularly within the European left. He forged strong personal and political alliances with influential leaders like François Mitterrand of France, Felipe González of Spain, Andreas Papandreou of Greece, and Mário Soares of Portugal. This network positioned him as a key representative of "Mediterranean" or "South European socialism," a distinct political current emphasizing national sovereignty, state intervention in the economy, and often a more independent and nuanced approach to international relations than their Northern European counterparts.

His foreign policy was notably assertive and independent, frequently leading to confrontations, particularly with the United States. A prime example is the 1985 Sigonella Crisis, where Craxi famously defied US demands regarding the handling of Palestinian terrorists involved in the Achille Lauro hijacking. Despite immense pressure from President Ronald Reagan, Craxi asserted Italy's sovereignty and legal jurisdiction over the detainees, refusing their extradition to the US and instead prosecuting them under Italian law. This incident, while risking a diplomatic rift, solidified his image as a leader fiercely committed to Italy's national interests and unwilling to bend to external pressures. Furthermore, his close relations with Arab socialist governments and his strong stance on the Palestinian question often contrasted sharply with Washington's policies, further underscoring his independent approach to global affairs.

The Shadow of Mani Pulite and its Aftermath

Despite his political successes and international stature, Craxi's legacy became inextricably linked with the "Mani Pulite" (Clean Hands) investigations, a vast judicial inquiry launched in Milan in the early 1990s. These investigations systematically exposed widespread political corruption and illicit financing within Italy's established parties. Craxi was among the most high-profile figures implicated, eventually facing convictions for corruption and illegal funding of the PSI.

While he consistently rejected charges of personal corruption or illicit enrichment, Craxi openly admitted to the illegal financing of his party. He famously argued that such "under-the-table" funding, known colloquially as "tangentopoli" (bribesville), was a systemic necessity for maintaining political activity in Italy, particularly for parties like the PSI which, he contended, lacked the extensive financial resources of the larger Christian Democracy and Communist parties. This admission, while deeply controversial, shed light on the pervasive and largely unacknowledged system of political patronage and kickbacks that underpinned the First Republic. The "Mani Pulite" scandal ultimately led to the collapse of the traditional political parties and marked the effective end of the First Republic, fundamentally reshaping Italy's political landscape and ushering in a new era.

Craxi's Enduring Connections and Persona

Bettino Craxi maintained a significant personal and political relationship with Silvio Berlusconi, a burgeoning media magnate who would later become a multi-term Prime Minister of Italy. Berlusconi's media empire often provided favorable coverage to Craxi's government and the PSI, reflecting their close personal friendship and shared political interests. This connection highlights the evolving dynamics between media, business, and politics in Italy during that era, laying some groundwork for future political alignments.

Throughout his career, Craxi was often humorously, yet sometimes pejoratively, nicknamed "il Cinghialone" ("The Big Boar") by his detractors. This moniker, famously attributed to his long-time political ally and formidable rival, Christian Democratic leader Giulio Andreotti, alluded to Craxi's physical stature and his often forceful, unyielding political style. It encapsulated the perception of him as a powerful, sometimes unrefined, but undeniably dominant force in Italian politics, reflecting the fierce competition and colorful personalities that characterized the First Republic.

FAQs

Who was Bettino Craxi?

Bettino Craxi was a prominent Italian politician who led the Italian Socialist Party (PSI) from 1976 to 1993 and served as the 45th Prime Minister of Italy from 1983 to 1987, making him the first PSI member to hold the premiership.

What was the "First Republic" in Italy?

The "First Republic" refers to the period of Italian history from 1948 to 1992, characterized by a specific constitutional framework and a dominant party system (primarily Christian Democrats, Communists, and Socialists). This era ended with widespread corruption scandals, notably "Mani Pulite."

What was the Sigonella Crisis?

The Sigonella Crisis was a dramatic diplomatic and military standoff in 1985 between Italy and the United States concerning the handling of Palestinian terrorists responsible for the Achille Lauro hijacking. Craxi's government defied US demands for their extradition, asserting Italy's sovereignty and legal jurisdiction over the detainees.

What was "Mani Pulite" and how did it affect Craxi?

"Mani Pulite" (Clean Hands) was a large-scale judicial investigation in the early 1990s that uncovered systemic corruption and illicit party financing across the Italian political establishment. Bettino Craxi was a key figure implicated, leading to his conviction for corruption and illegal funding of the PSI, ultimately contributing to the demise of the First Republic's traditional parties.

Why was Bettino Craxi nicknamed "il Cinghialone"?

Bettino Craxi was nicknamed "il Cinghialone" ("The Big Boar") by his detractors, notably Christian Democratic leader Giulio Andreotti, due to his physical stature and his perceived forceful, dominant, and sometimes aggressive political style.