Elected as President of the Italian Republic in 1978, Sandro Pertini assumed the highest office in the nation at age 81. His tenure was marked by a commitment to public institutional integrity during the volatile period known as the Anni di piombo, alongside a vocal opposition to international authoritarian regimes and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Early Activism and Antifascism
Born in 1896 in San Giovanni, Pertini studied at the Liceo Gabriello Chiabrera di Savona and earned a law degree from the University of Genoa in 1919. A lieutenant during World War I, he was decorated with a Silver Medal of Military Valour. He joined the Unitary Socialist Party following the 1918 armistice. His political activities attracted the attention of Fascist squads, leading to multiple physical assaults. Following the 1924 assassination of Giacomo Matteotti, he intensified his anti-fascist efforts, including organizing the escape of Filippo Turati to France.
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Upon returning to Italy, Pertini faced arrest and a ten-year prison sentence. From 1935, he was interned on Santo Stefano Island, Ventotene, remaining in confinement until 1943. After his release, he joined the Italian resistance movement against Nazi occupation. Although captured and sentenced to death by German forces, he was freed by a partisan raid. He subsequently served as an executive for the Italian Socialist Party and held a central role in the Milan uprising of April 1945.
Legislative Career and Presidency
Following the 1946 constitutional referendum, Pertini participated in the Constituent Assembly. His legislative career included terms in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, culminating in his service as President of the Chamber of Deputies from 1968 to 1976. As President of Italy from 1978 to 1985, he focused on restoring confidence in government institutions. After stepping down, he served as a senator for life until his death in 1990 in Rome.
Recognition and Public Life
Pertini received numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal of Military Valour in 1955 and the Otto Hahn Peace Medal in 1988. He was also an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and held the Collar of the Order of Charles III. In his retirement, he presided over the Filippo Turati Foundation for Historical Studies, dedicated to documenting the history of the Italian socialist movement.
Fast facts
- Born: 1896, San Giovanni
- Died: 1990, Rome
- Presidency: 1978–1985
- Military Rank: Lieutenant
- Political Affiliation: Partisan; Italian Socialist Party
- Religious View: Atheism
- Notable Award: Otto Hahn Peace Medal (1988)
- Final Position: Senator for life (1985–1990)
Questions readers ask
What was Sandro Pertini's role during the 1982 World Cup?
He attended the final in Madrid and famously celebrated Italy's victory, cheering from his seat and later playing cards with the team during their return flight.
Was Sandro Pertini religious?
No, he was an atheist, though he maintained a close personal friendship with Pope John Paul II throughout his presidency.
Achievements
- Affiliated with University of Florence
- Educated at University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Istituto Cesare Alfieri
- Worked as politician, journalist and partisan
