Luigi Facta

Luigi Facta

Luigi Facta (16 November 1861 – 5 November 1930) was the last Prime Minister of Italy - under King Victor Emmanuel III - before Benito Mussolini; he was a politician, lawyer and journalist.

Background and earlier career

Facta was born in Pinerolo, a province of Turin in Piedmont, Italy, the son of Vincenzo Facta - an attorney - and Margarita Falconetto. He studied law at the University of Turin and later became a lawyer as well as a journalist. He entered politics in 1892 and 2 years later he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies for Pinerolo, a seat which he held for 30 years. A member of the Liberal Party, he served as undersecretary of the Departments of Justice and later Interior in the coalition cabinet for much of his time in Parliament, always describing himself as a follower of Giolitti. He was also the Italian Minister of Finance from 1910 until 1914 and afterwards from 1920 until 1921. At the outbreak of The Great War, Facta supported neutrality for Italy but began supporting the war effort once Italy entered the conflict. His son was killed in the war; despite such sacrifice, he said he was proud to give a son to his country.

Prime Minister of Italy

Facta was appointed Prime Minister in February 1922, succeeding his predecessor Ivanoe Bonomi, creating the Facta I government. At the time, Italy was in political turmoil, and was dealing with Mussolini'sfascistinsurgency. When Mussolini decided to March on Rome, Facta reacted and wanted to declare martial law and send the army to stop Mussolini, however such a declaration needed to bear the Monarch's signature before it could take effect - this, however, didn't happen. Facta always refused to explain the secret reasons that brought King Victor Emmanuel III to not sign the declaration of emergency. Immediately after this failure - the very following day - Facta and his government resigned to demonstrate they did not approve the King's decision. The King then requested that Mussolini come to Rome to form a new government, the beginning of the Fascist regime in Italy.

Later life

In 1924, King Victor Emmanuel III named Facta senator, a role he would serve until death.

Death

Facta died in Pinerolo, Italy, in 1930 with the general population believing him to have been too feeble and faithful to the King to take a more active role in stopping Mussolini and the rise of Fascism.