The mandate of Giuseppe Saragat as the fifth President of the Italian Republic began in 1964 following his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs. During his seven-year term, which concluded in 1971, he navigated a volatile period in national politics, including the reported threat of a neo-fascist coup known as the Piano Solo.
Formative Years and Military Service
Born in Turin in 1898 to Sardinian parents Giovanni Saragat and Ernestina Stratta, he graduated in accountancy in 1915. During the First World War, he served as a lieutenant of the Royal Italian Army on the Karst Plateau. Following the conflict, he earned a degree in Economy and Commerce from the University of Turin in 1920 and spent time working in the banking sector before turning his focus toward political activism.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Exile and Socialist Activism
In 1922, he aligned himself with the Unitary Socialist Party. Facing political persecution under the Fascist regime, he fled Italy in 1926, residing in Vienna and subsequently France. During these years, he maintained his commitment to socialist reform, eventually helping to found the Socialist Party of Italian Workers in 1947, which later reorganized as the Italian Democratic Socialist Party. He remained a central figure in this movement throughout his career.
Diplomatic and Governmental Roles
His return to Italy saw him hold various high-level positions, including ambassador to France from 1945 to 1946 and president of the Constituent Assembly. He served as the Vice President of the Council of Ministers across multiple periods: 1947–1948, 1948–1949, and 1954–1955. Additionally, he sat as a member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Republic during several parliamentary sessions.
Honors and Final Years
Following his presidency, he remained active in public life until his death in Rome in 1988. He received several international decorations, including the Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in 1969 and the Supreme Order of Christ in 1966. His final resting place is at Campo Verano. Despite documented atheist leanings, he reportedly embraced Catholicism in his later years.
Fast facts
- Born: 1898, Turin
- Died: 1988, Rome
- Education: University of Turin
- Military Rank: Lieutenant
- President of Italy: 1964–1971
- Religion: Catholicism
- Languages: Italian
Questions readers ask
What was his primary political affiliation?
He was a democratic socialist and a foundational leader of the Italian Democratic Socialist Party.
Did he hold roles other than President?
Yes, he served as an ambassador, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vice President of the Council of Ministers, and president of the Constituent Assembly.
Achievements
- Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath — 1969
- Educated at University of Turin
- Worked as politician and diplomat
