Characters / TNO Italy

Main Character Index Superpowers: Großgermanisches Reich (Heydrich's Germany) | The United States of America (1964-1968 American Presidents | 1972 American Presidents) | Dai-Nippon Teikoku Major Powers: Regno d'Italia | Iberian Union | Republic of Turkey | Ordensstaat Burgund Other Countries By Region: Africa: Northern & East Africa | West Africa | Southern Africa | Post-Colonial Central Africa Asia: Mainland China & Oceania (State of Guangdong | 1964-1972 Guangdong Chief Executives | Guangdong Flavor Characters) | Southeast Asia (Republic of Indonesia) | South Asia | Middle East | Central Asia Europe: Northern & Western Europe (British Isles | French State) | Southern Europe | Eastern Europe (Reichskommissariat Ukraine | Reichskommissariat Moskowien) Americas: North America | South America (United States of Brazil | Argentine Republic | Oriental Republic of Uruguay) The Russian Anarchy: West Russia (West Russian Revolutionary Front | Komi Republic | Communist Party of Komi | Passionariyy Organization | Taboritsky's Russia) | Southern Urals | Western Siberia | Central Siberia (Siberian Black Army) | The Far East (Harbin Three) | After Midnight Miscellaneous: Antarctica | Miscellaneous Content | Non-Canon Content

Regno d'Italia

^{Flag of the Repubblica Popolare Italiana}

^{Flag of the Triumvirate}

Official Name: Regno d'Italia^note Kingdom of Italy, Italian Social Republic (Monarchy abolished), Repubblica Popolare Italiana^note Italian People's Republic (Italian revolution)

Ruling Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Fascism

Italy, one of the victors of World War II, left the war transformed from a Kingdom into an Empire. The sweetness of victory soon soured as their alliance with Germany became incresingly tumultuous, and a furious Mussolini withdrew from the Pact of Steel after one too many controversies. In the 1950s, the aging Mussolini adopted many disastrous policies, and when he died, his son-in-law and groomed successor Galeazzo Ciano refused to change anything. By 1962, Ciano's mismanagement is causing a political crisis within Italy, and tensions within its anti-German Triumvirate with Turkey and Iberia are at a boiling point. Italy stands at a crossroads, waiting for its future.

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General Tropes

• Allohistorical Allusion: The Piazza Fontana bombing might still happen on 12 December 1969, causing a crisis in Italian democracy.
• Blatant Lies: Malta is one of the latest additions to Italy's empire and their people are supposed to be seen as equal brethren to those living on the peninsula. However, anyone of Maltese ethnicity knows that this is a lie, with the Italian fascists seeing them as "half-Arab mongrels" who betrayed the Latin people to serve the "decadent materialists of England".
• Cult of Personality: While the personality cult around the Duce is nowhere near what it once was, it is still a powerful part of Italian propaganda. Posters declaring the greatness of the Duce are commonplace, and the people that find themselves in disagreement with the idea that Mussolini or Ciano are the greatest leaders on the planet tend to be beaten up or even lynched, in some cases.
• Culture Police: MinCulPop, the Ministry of Popular Culture, still exists by the mod start and tries to hold its grip over the private life of Italians, despite it being widely ridiculed by the most of population for its ineffectiveness and Obstructive Bureaucrat tendencies.
• Democracy Is Flawed: Compared to Germany, Italy can reform into a sincere democracy with relative ease, but it still has to face many challenges, including a large number of Fascists that are still relevant in the political sphere; if the Italians aren't careful, the country could slide back into fascism once again. The developers have also sought to ensure that the new Italian democracy is appropriately unstable, as the modern Italian government rarely has leaders finish their terms, with players potentially (though unlikely) cycling through every single possible prime minister during a playthrough.
• The Empire: While not as prominently as neighboring Germany, Italy also massively expanded its domains during the Second World War in accordance with fascist expansionist ambitions, and now rules over a large empire spanning three continents. Predictably, Italy's empire is filled with collaborators and many, many resistance movements.
• The Federation: A non-fascist Italy could transition into this gradually, as it grants greater autonomy and equal rights to its colonies.
• Fun with Acronyms: The acronym of the Ministry of Popular Culture, MinCulPop, sounds similar to the Italian word for "arse", something which makes the already unpopular ministry an even bigger butt of a joke among the Italians.
• In Spite of a Nail: Depending on how unstable a democratic Italy becomes, the country could be plunged into very similar circumstances to OTL's Years of Lead if it's unable to deal with domestic issues, all but ending its time in the sun as a major power.
• Kingmaker Scenario: Unlike Germany, Japan and the USA, Italy is not a superpower and cannot really 'win' the Cold War per se, but it remains the fourth-largest economy in the world, after said superpowers, and is a huge boon to whichever superpower that manages to invite Italy into their bloc (either the OFN or the Co-Prosperity Sphere). That being said, when the Oil Crisis hits, Italy's economic and colonial collapse is even worse for the faction they join.
• A Lighter Shade of Black: Italy's main competitor for European dominance is Nazi Germany. But while Italy may be a fascist dictatorship where personal freedoms are limited and minorities are often discriminated against, Germany practices an even more extreme far-right ideology and commits outright genocide against its conquered populations, something that not even Pavolini and Giani advocate. Also, while Italy can reform into a genuine democracy, it takes more effort for Germany to achieve even a fraction of such.
• Military Coup: If the Verona Congress collapses into infighting, a clique of Regio Esercito generals seize control of Rome and some other major metropolises. This is the catalyst that eventually leads to the socialist revolution and establishment of the Italian People's Republic.
• Only Sane Man: Between Iberian economic posturing and Turkish territorial disputes, Italy remains the only member of the Triumvirate who focuses on the reality that Germany will come after them all the second their alliance collapses.
• Please Select New City Name: Many Libyan cities have been given new names under Italian occupation. ^{Full list of city names}Zuara (Zuwara / Zuwarah), Gharian (Gharyan), Gadames (Ghadamis / Ghadames), Homs (Khoms / Al-Khums), Barce (Marj), Sebha (Sabha), Murzuch (Murzuk), El Giof (Al Jawf)
• Realpolitik:
  • Despite the noticeable ideological differences between them, a democratic Italy can become a full-fledged member of Japan's Co-Prosperity Sphere, owing to the long-term relationship between the two countries and the benefits of such an alliance.
  • Italy can tolerate an EDES-ruled Greece, despite their ideological differences, so long as Greece agrees to remain in their sphere. For Italy, it's more suitable than their unstable collaborationist republic and far better than a EAM-ruled Greece.
• Regime Change: If the EDES take over Greece and do not reach a satisfactory negotiation, Italy will stage a military coup and heal any vulnerability that Germany could exploit.
• Resurgent Empire:
  • Italy could not become a superpower in its own right. With enough effort and stability, however, it could not only reassert itself as a major player, but also establish a new political bloc after the Triumvirate's ignoble collapse.
  • If a socialist revolution breaks out, leading to the Italian People's Republic, it can even emerge as a potent military threat to the Reich.
• Settling the Frontier:
  • Following Italy’s victory in the Second World War, Italians migrated in droves to Libya, now comprising 60% of the population. The coast is fully Italianized, and Italians occupy all layers of society, from farmers to workers, bureaucrats, businessmen, etc.
  • Besides Libya, In Italy’s overseas colonies and possessions, Italians make up large percentages of the population – In Eritrea 35-40%, Tunisia 25%, Somalia 20%, The Governatorato del Golfo and Albania 5-10%, and Ethiopia under 5%
• Take a Third Option: In spite of the Triumvirate's collapse, Italy can potentially opt to form its own geopolitical bloc called the Rome Pact and stand on its own, rather than join the OFN or Co-Prosperity Sphere.

Royalty

Umberto II

Role: Head of State (Democracy Transition)

Ideology: Despotism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}After the now-former Duce relinquished his mantle, dismantling the fascist regime, the country needed a steady and reassuring hand to steer it towards democracy. King Umberto II offers just that: well-loved by the population for his calm and gentle demeanor, and fanatically obeyed by the higher echelons of the Armed Forces, the monarch is known for his steadfast support to democracy.

With the last embers of fascism cooling, Italy is now preparing for elections, and the King has appointed a provisional cabinet to oversee the country until that fateful day. Despite his obvious preference for the DC moderates, Umberto II has refrained from any undue interference in the democratic process, and eagerly awaits for the moment when he'll be able to appoint the winner as Prime Minister, and finally return to the ceremonial role that any King or Queen, in his opinion, should fulfill.

After all, if your King orders you to be free, what can you do if not obey?

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• Foil: Umberto II is one to Emperor Hirohito of Japan. While both have personal misgivings towards the status quo, compared to the latter, he's much more proactive in trying to achieve what good he can for his countrymen, including democratic reforms. He also has much less control over his role as a Puppet King, in contrast to Hirohito preferring to willingly serve as a figurehead.
• Try to Fit That on a Business Card: The King of Italy's full list of titles is His Imperial and Royal Majesty Umberto II, by the Grace of God and the Will of the Nation King of Italy and Albania, Emperor of Ethiopia, First Marshal of the Empire.

Tropes pertaining to the rework

Role: Head of State (Democracy Transition)

Ideology: Despotism

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• Allohistorical Allusion: His status as the monarch of a fascist (or at least right-wing authoritarian) state that acts like a useful pawn but is actually playing the Long Game to dismantle its dictatorial machinery from within and restore democracy, then steps down to cede power to a democratic government calls to mind Juan Carlos I of Spain.
• Authority in Name Only: Downplayed. Despite ostensibly having absolute power, Umberto knows that his authority is respected by the National Fascist Party only for so long as he doesn't openly antagonize the regime and thus has also to play his cards very carefully until he's in a position to step in. On the other hand, he's genuinely competent, commanding support from all across Italian society.
• Cincinnatus: Downplayed. In Italy's democratic path, Umberto cedes part of his power to a democratic government yet maintains extensive powers such as the ability to restrict certain rights (and is not afraid to make use of them).
• The Coup: If Duce Ciano emerges victorious in the Verona Congress, a teased event shows that he'll only get deposed in a coup by the King, to rid Italy of fascism.
• I Did What I Had to Do: The King purposefully maintains a cordial relationship with the National Fascist Party both to preserve the monarchy's influence and to conceal his efforts against the fascists to institute democratic reform.
• Like Father, Unlike Son: Unlike the previous king Victor Emmanuel III, who openly supported Mussolini and allowed the fascists to take power, Umberto II despises fascism, where the Red Italy teaser events show him using his position as king to undermine Ciano's rule.
• Long Game: Despite his seething disdain for Mussolini's handiwork, Umberto bides his time in his efforts to usher in positive change for his people, and should Ciano win out in the Verona Congress, steps in directly to oust him. Even if a member of the Quadrumvirate wins out, he still tries to lay the groundwork for reform, albeit more discreetly.
• Regime Change: Italy, if it is still fascist or is transitioning to a Savoyard democracy, will invade Greece once more and reinstall their puppet regime when the Greek partisans take over. Whether or not they succeed depends on the outcome of the war.
• Royals Who Actually Do Something: In a Red Italy teaser, after Ciano purges his main rivals in the National Fascist Party, Umberto himself intervenes and ousts Ciano from power, setting the stage for Italy to begin initiating the process of defascistisation.
• We Hardly Knew Ye: If neither Ciano or the Quadrumvirate are able to assert control during the Verona Conference, Umberto will form a military government, but this doesn't last for long as he gets assassinated, as shown in a Red Italy teaser.

Duces

Galeazzo Ciano

Role: Duce^note Head of State

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Fascism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}Gian Galeazzo Ciano, 2nd Count of Cortellazzo and Buccari, son-in-law of Benito Mussolini, and Duce of Italy, began his career as a bomber squadron commander during the invasion of Ethiopia, winning two silver medals of valor and returning home a hero. In Ethiopia, he learned valuable lessons about people and leading, lessons which have given him the ability to bring Italy to greatness. After the war ended, Mussolini chose Ciano to be his Foreign Minister, preparing him to be his successor by giving him valuable political experience. As Foreign Minister, Ciano presided over Italian affairs on the world stage, helping her expand during and before the Second World War through both peaceful and violent means. Throughout the entire war, he managed to keep the Germans from dominating Italy, fighting tooth and nail to keep his country as an equal partner with the Reich. And when the time came for peace, Ciano fought even further for the concessions that Italy required to build an empire that spanned multiple continents. After 1948, Ciano retained his position as Foreign Minister and became much closer with his father-in-law. Knowing his time was near, Mussolini taught him everything he knew about leading, and when the Duce passed away, Ciano took up the reins. As the leader of Italy, Ciano has chosen to take a softer approach to ruling, dreaming of liberalizing the fascist state and returning rights to the people, while working with his neighbors rather than fighting them. The path before him is treacherous, and only through gile and skill will Ciano manage to keep Italy afloat in this turbulent world.

Galeazzo Ciano is Il Duce of Italy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mussolini's son-in-law. Ciano's loyalty to the Fascist ideology has been declining since Mussolini's death, and his policies have been increasingly moderate and reformist. Should Ciano emerge victorious amidst the struggles within the National Fascist Party, Italy has a chance to completely leave Fascism behind and enter a new age of Democracy.

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• Broken Pedestal: Ciano has long lost the faith in the Fascist system as a means to keep Italy as a strong and stable empire and wants to end the fascist legacy of his father-in-law whom he once served loyally.
• Cincinnatus: After all of his desired reforms are implemented, Ciano will resign from his position and allow democratic elections for a new Italian Prime Minister.
• Internal Reformist: Duce Ciano has a fading loyalty to the fascist system in the wake of the German-Italian split. If not convinced otherwise, he will peaceably bring Italy out of Fascism in time.
• Pragmatic Villainy: The least charitable way to describe Ciano. He is still a fascist, but he understands that the system envisioned by Mussolini has failed Italy.

Tropes pertaining to the rework

Role: Duce^note Head of State

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Fascism

As Benito Mussolini's son-in-law, through his daughter Edda, and his trusted foreign affairs minister, Gian Galeazzo Ciano, 2nd Count of Cortellazzo and Buccari, was hand-picked by Il Duce himself to succeed him as leader of the Fascist Italian Empire he had forged through his alliance with Nazi Germany.

As the current Duce, Ciano is very devoted to the preservation of his father-in-law's legacy and appears chronically unwilling to do anything to even slightly change what Mussolini has created. In public, it is called unwavering loyalty to Mussolini and to fascism; in private, when people are sure the fascist secret police isn't listening, some call it stagnation, some immobilism, someone even whisper about political paralysis and outright incompetence: the Duce calls it "stile fascista".

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• 0% Approval Rating: The first focus tree description shows that almost nobody supports Ciano; he is blamed for all of Italy's woes by the game's start and despised for his stubborn refusal to reform the government. This makes it especially easy for the Quadrumvirate or Umberto to coup Ciano after the Second Italo-Turkish War concludes.
• All for Nothing: Even if Ciano manages to retain his position as Duce, he'd barely have time to savor that victory before King Umberto has him deposed for good.
• Contempt Crossfire: He's hated by just about everyone in Italy, from the Quadrumvirate to the democratic opposition and socialists.
• Even Evil Has Loved Ones: "The Odyssey" dev diary shows that Ciano dearly loves his father-in-law, Mussolini, and wants to uphold his legacy as much as possible. Unfortunately, this has made him too stubborn to enact the necessary changes for Italy to adapt to its new problems in the post-WWII environment.
• Failure Is the Only Option: Ciano's goal of preserving Mussolini's legacy cannot succeed; the Quadrumvirate and Red Italy teaser shows that no matter how the Verona Congress goes, he'll eventually find himself overthrown either by King Umberto, the Quadrumvirate or the popular opposition.
• Hero-Worshipper: Ciano's strong convictions were entirely inherited from Mussolini. Years after his death, Ciano is still unwilling to deviate from his style of ruling, as shown in teased events from "The Odyssey" dev diary.
• Meet the New Boss: In the teased Quadrumvirate events from "The Odyssey" dev diary, Duce Ciano is very unwilling to do anything which could even slightly alter what the late Mussolini has created.
• Minor Major Character: The Quadrumvirate and Red Italy teaser show that Ciano won't be Duce for long in-game, but his incompetence explains most of the background lore behind why Italy has stagnated so much and whether he purges the Quadrumvirate will decide which path Italy will take for the rest of the game.
• The Purge: In his teased focus tree after the Triumvirate's collapse, if he chooses to focus on dissenters in the PNF, Ciano boots Pavolini from his position, sends Balbo to Libya, enforces orthodox fascism on Muti, and silences Giani's mystics. This has the unintended side effect of preventing any nexus of fascist resistance from forming once the king launches his coup and the nation begins to move towards democracy.
• Stupid Evil: The Qudrumvirate teaser shows that Ciano's reluctance to deviate from Mussolini's vision has ground Italy's progress to a halt, stirring anger from both his supporters and the public.

Carlo Scorza

Role: Duce^note Head of State (Ciano overthrown)

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Fascism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}Carlo Scorza started his career in the PNF long ago, as he was among Mussolini's followers in the historic March on Rome. In time, after proving his loyalty and political skills, he rose through the ranks of the Party, finally becoming its Secretary in 1943. He hasn't left that position since, and for more than 20 years, he reinforced a sprawling network of political contacts and alliances. When Ciano became the face of fascism in Italy, stealing the limelight, Scorza remained in the darkness, preparing for the day when he could take what he deserved.

Many people call what happened in Verona a "coup". To Scorza and his men, it is not so. He just fixed a malfunctioning element of the fascist machine: simply, he had to fix the fact that the position of Duce was occupied by a spineless worm named Galeazzo Ciano, who was ready to sell his own country from under his feet in exchange for "democracy" and US dollars. Italy, a nation forged by the flame of the fascist revolution, simply could not let it stand, and Scorza, by becoming Duce, only did his duty towards his country.

It was just the first step: in order to perfect the fascist machine, many things have to be fixed, reworked, and streamlined. Scorza has promised that he will cement the complete dominance of the party over the nation, and of the nation over the Mediterranean: his men rallied around his promises to rekindle the flame of the fascist revolution. The Duce made many promises, but it's hard to say how many of them will be kept. International observers fear the new Duce, lamenting that Italy has abandoned Ciano's promises of freedom: time will tell how much, if at all, Scorza will succeed in breathing new life into the fascist state, and what that will mean for Europe and the world.

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• The Coup: A left-wing Scorza can depose the monarchy in a Second March on Rome, bringing about the Italian Social Republic.
• Crushing the Populace: If Scorza takes the right-wing fascist path, he'll often resort to this to hold onto power. With the Venice Uprising, he crushes it, no matter how "left-wing" his policies were
• Evil Reactionary: A more right-wing Scorza will aim to return Fascism to its totalitarian days under Mussolini, and his policies include reinforcing traditionalism and restricting civil liberties.
• Tempting Fate: Scorza's most radical economy path, "The New Charter Of Labour", sees him implement radical Corporatist economy reforms, introducing things like total state-controlled industry and total abolishment of taxes. The focus tree initially gives two national spirits that can grow to have enormous bonuses as the player goes down the tree (like -40% Consumer Goods Factories, +40% Stability, and +40% Factory Output), but a few events warn of future crises with this economic system. At the end of the focus tree, the issues caused by this economic system are revealed, with both workers and managers being alienated and reacting with strikes and sabotage, the currency begins to rapidly inflate, and the country's economy will collapse, causing both national focuses to have their effects flipped, granting enormous penalties to Italy's economy instead.
• Tyrant Takes the Helm: Nothing is stopping a player from making Scorza violently purge the Second Verona Congress, going full Stay in the Kitchen on women's rights, and crushing and censoring youth protests, without once compromising on enforcing his rule through bloodshed.

Tropes pertaining to the rework

Role: Duce^note Head of State (Interim Duce)

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Fascism

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• Puppet King: In the Quadrumvirate teaser, Scorza is appointed by the Quadrumvirate to serve as caretaker Duce after Ciano's removal. He will keep that position until they could deal with internal matters and choose who would succeed Ciano (in other words, until one of them could eliminate or sideline the other three). Nothing Scorza does (or does not do) is out of his own volition except the most basic of government functions.
• Short-Lived Leadership: As shown in the Quadrumvirate teaser, Scorza only serves as designated Duce until a member of the Quadrumvirate consolidates his power; he'll then be allowed to retire for the rest of his days.

Prime Ministers

Left

Enrico Berlinguer

Role: Head of State (Election)

Party: Partito Socialista Italiano - Berlinguer Clique^note Italian Socialist Party

Ideology: Neocommunism^note Socialism

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• Hated by All: While the other members of the Partito Socialista Italiano have generally moderate socialist leanings, Berlinguer is an open communist, which makes him despised throughout Italian society and him taking power will evoke disgust throughout the citizenry of Rome.
• Internal Reformist: Berlinguer adheres to a revisionist trend of communism that seeks to enact a non-violent revolution through the ballot box, meaning that despite being a communist, he can only come into power if Italy does not undergo a socialist revolution.
• Reasonable Authority Figure: In spite of his extreme beliefs, Berlinguer is willing to keep quiet and cooperate with anyone if it means establishing greater protections for the common workers.
• Red Baron: Focus names refer to him as the "Red Inquisitor".

Pietro Nenni

Role: Head of State (Election)

Party: Partito Socialista Italiano - Massimalista^note Italian Socialist Party - Maximalist

Ideology: Democratic Socialism^note Progressivism (Saragat empowered), Revolutionary Front^note Socialism (Nenni empowered)

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}The life of Pietro Nenni is one that seems more fit to the protagonist of an adventure novel, rather than to the leader of the new Italian left, and the new prime minister of the Kingdom. Born into a working class family and engaged in left wing politics since a very early age, Nenni closely befriended a young socialist named Benito Mussolini - even sharing a prison cell with him. After volunteering to serve in the Great War, he joined the fascist movement, quickly bailing out as he realized the dark turn it was about to take. His political convictions growing firmer, Nenni finally joined the Italian Socialist Party just one year before the march on Rome.

Nenni climbed the ranks of the PSI, but was powerless to oppose the newly instated regime, leaving Italy in 1926. This did little to stop him, and from abroad Nenni played a vital role in keeping the network of Italian dissidents and leftists that were opposed to the regime alive, with the PSI absorbing many other leftist parties over the years. Meanwhile, Nenni fought in Spain on the Republican side, was incarcerated multiple times, lost one of his daughters in the Auschwitz lager, and himself narrowly avoided falling in the hands of the Nazis (likely saved by his old friend Mussolini), before finally returning to Italy to witness the final fall of fascism.

Ever indefatigable, Nenni organized the many scattered leftist forces in the country into one more or less cohesive group - the Fronte Democratico, which he later carried to victory in the elections. The many promises he made to the farmers and workers of Italy must one way or another be kept - but only time will tell to what lengths Nenni, the fiery firebrand of Italian socialism, is willing to go in order to finally do justice for the long oppressed Italian people.

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• The Alliance: Nenni has a choice of two coalitions when forming the government:
  • He can choose to strengthen the Fronte Democratico by resolving the infighting between the different factions of social democrats, socialists, and communists.
  • He can also come to an agreement with the centrist Democrazia Cristiana to create a big tent coalition dedicated to preserving Italian democracy, and appeal to a large portion of the Italian population.
• Chummy Commies: Nenni wishes to liberalise Italian society, while creating a strong welfare state to make sure that Italy's poorest are cared for.
• Defector from Decadence: Nenni actually used to be a former member of Mussolini's fascist movement and promptly bailed when he realized that their nationalistic rhetoric was going too far.
• Internal Reformist: To achieve his democratic socialist utopia, Nenni will begin implementing reforms to establish a wide safety net and a more open electoral process to hasten Italy's democratization.
• Martial Pacifist: While Nenni isn't afraid to mobilize Italy's army if its interests are threatened, he does advocate peace over war, forming a World Peace Council in order to avert open conflict.
• Red Oni, Blue Oni: The Red to Saragat's Blue. Nenni is described as a firebrand, passionately promoting socialism and the struggle of the working class.
• We Used to Be Friends: He was once comrades with Benito Mussolini when he was still a socialist, even sharing a prison cell with him at one point. However, as Mussolini descended into fascism, Nenni refused to follow after him and defected to the Italian Socialist Party. Despite their falling out, it may be possible that Mussolini pulled some strings to save his former friend from German incarceration and narrowly escape death at the hands of the Nazis.

Giuseppe Saragat

Role: Head of State (Election), Head of Government (Saragat cabinet)

Party: Partito Socialista Democratico Italiano^note Italian Democratic Socialist Party

Ideology: Democratic Socialism^note Progressivism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}Until just a few months ago, to most Italians Giuseppe Saragat was only one among many politicians making up the FD. Born into a middle class family in Turin, Saragat is almost the polar opposite to Nenni and his firebrand leadership, despite the two of them having a lot in common - both were exiled during the years of fascism, and both came back to rebuild an Italian left from the ashes. However, while Nenni fought his battles for democratic socialism, Saragat, with much less ado, rallied around himself the moderates of FD.

With the end of the fascist era, what the people needed was a reformist, a clean break from the past - a leader like Nenni. However, things have changed - and Italian democracy is already threatened from all sides. The chaos of the Hot Autumn and the recent wave of extremist terrorism have shaken the conscience of many, and as calls for moderation and peace rise from all side of the political spectrum, Saragat was the perfect candidate to become the polite and friendly face of the left.

By appealing to moderates and centrists, Saragat was able to paint himself as the candidate of peace and reconciliation - exactly what much of the Italian populace wishes for. Still, many are displeased with the new Prime Minister, especially in his own party. The growing radical faction of the FD is alienated by Saragat's alliance with DC, and despite all the promises, the violence in the streets of Italy shows no sign of stopping, rather appearing to escalate by the week. It takes courage to call for peace and democratic values as everything seems to be falling apart - and Saragat's resolve to hold firm against extremism and bloodshed might be the only thing that can save Italy's young democracy from an early end.

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• The Alliance: Saragat believes that his social democratic reforms are best achieved by forming an alliance with Aldo Moro and the Democrazia Cristiana.
• Reasonable Authority Figure: Saragat is a calm, approachable man who never seems to raise his voice in anger and tries relaying his ideological commitments and campaign goals in a civil manner.
• Red Oni, Blue Oni: The Blue to Nenni's Red. Saragat is described as being far more personable than Nenni, willing to patiently explain his policies and work with the Democrazia Cristiana in order to accomplish his goals.

Center

Aldo Moro

Role: Head of State (Election)

Party: Democrazia Cristiana – Sinistra^note Christian Democracy - Left

Ideology: Christian Liberalism^note Liberalism (Fanfani favored), Christian Conservatism^note Conservatism (Dorotei favored)

In-Game Biography: ^{Click to Show}Aldo Moro's rise to power is, according to many, reflective of Italy's own journey from fascism into democracy. Born in a small town in southern Italy, Moro began to study law in university, where he started to enter Catholic student organizations. Distinguishing himself as a brilliant student, he became the president of the Italian Catholic Federation of University Students, before being called to arms as an infantry officer during the Second World War. When the war ended, Moro moved his first steps in what would become his political career.

Mussolini's regime never quite managed to control the Catholic Church, and thus Catholic lobbies and pressure groups were always present during the fascist era. With Ciano's process of democratization, these lobbies and pressure groups became the foundational bedrock of what would become Democrazia Cristiana - and Aldo Moro had a key role in forming this united, Catholic and liberal front, striving to Italy the change she needs. Soft spoken, polite, well mannered, open to dialogue, Moro rapidly became one of the symbols of the rising Italian democracy, with DC electing him as the candidate for the position of Prime Minister in the elections.

With the victory of DC, Moro and his allies are free to enact their plans for change - without much ado and rhetoric, with moderation, politeness, and openness to compromise, Moro promises economic prosperity, stability, and a strong and fair democracy. While some divisions are already emerging in DC, with the more Catholic wing somewhat at odds with the more liberal one, the DC is united in their resolve to oppose radicalism, both red and black, and finally bring Italy out of the darkness and into the light. In difficult times, faith can be something to hold on to - and perhaps, with a little help from above, Moro's hopes for a free, peaceful and prosperous Italy will be realized.

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• The Alliance: His Democrazia Cristiana party is a large party that will require moderation and compromise to keep together. Their rivals, like Nenni, can exploit this weakness by sowing division in their parties and keeping them grounded.
• Allohistorical Allusion: Moro can possibly coalition with Enrico Berlinguer’s faction of the PSI, recreating the Compromesso storico.
• Internal Reformist: Moro's foremost concern is ensuring that Italy stays on the path towards democratization, guided by the ideals of Catholicism.
• The Purge: To strengthen his party, Moro can unleash Fanfani to begin purging dissident elements in the Democrazia Cristiana.
• Real Men Love Jesus: Moro is a devout Catholic, like most members of the Democrazia Cristiana, and is one of the key voices behind the protests for democratization in Italy.
• Reasonable Authority Figure: Moro is willing to cooperate and ally with opposing parties if it means securing Italy's path towards democratization.

Amintore Fanfani

Role: Head of State (Election)

Party: Democrazia Cristiana – Destra^note Christian Democracy - Right

Ideology: Christian Liberalism^note Liberalism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}Opinions about Amintore Fanfani tend to be varied, but there's one thing all agree on; that few can embody the soul of DC, with its infinite contradictions, better than him. Born into a poor family, Fanfani made a name for himself as a bright student and a professor of economics, but also as a staunch supporter of fascism. A devout Catholic, Fanfani at the time devoted his efforts to bridging the gap between the social doctrine of the Church and the fascist regime, even signing his support for the Manifesto of Race in 1938 and the other racial laws of the time.

As the years passed, Fanfani grew more and more disillusioned with fascism, drifting towards Ciano and his liberalizing politics. He was one of the chief architects of the DC, and eventually ended up as one of the leaders of the progressive current of the party. Opportunistic, shrewd and guileful, Fanfani always employed a smoke and mirrors approach to politics. A masterful negotiator, he was the perfect man to become the face of the DC after the crisis of the Hot Autumn.

With DC's victory in the elections, Fanfani is now free to openly play his political games. Behind the calls for moderation, progressivism and a fair and moral society, the Prime Minister knows that he is the only thin line standing between Italy and utter catastrophe. Compromise is viewed by many as a drawback, but for Fanfani, the Purebred Horse of DC, it is a weapon in his arsenal. The political machine of DC is the only one that can control Italian politics. Opposing parties, both right and left, will learn that the only way to survive in this house of cards is bowing to Fanfani's vision. A new director has entered the Italian political stage of Italian politics, and one way or another, he'll make sure that the whole orchestra plays to his tune.

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• Defector from Decadence: He was originally a reformist member of Mussolini's fascist regime, but he slowly grew disillusioned with it and turned towards liberalism instead.
• Enemy Mine: To build his support base, Fanfani can reach out to the moderate members of the FD and BN to ally with.
• Real Men Love Jesus: A devout Catholic, Fanfani wants to bridge the doctrines of his faith to guide the new democratic government of Italy.
• Reasonable Authority Figure: Fanfani is a skilled negotiator believes that compromise is the best outlet to calm the country down and restore order.

Right

Achille Lauro

Role: Head of State (Election)

Party: Partito Democratico Italiano di Unità Monarchica^note Italian Democratic Party of Monarchist Unity

Ideology: Paternalism

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}O Comandante. For his supporters, an emblem of respect and praise, for his enemies, the name is an ironic joke, a pretentious title with little behind it. Whatever you call him elsewhere though, in Naples they call him 'Mayor Lauro', and you had better have some respect in your voice while saying it. He is beloved by many and reviled by some, and for better or worse, Achille Lauro is now the second prime minister of a new Italy.

As owner of the Flotta Lauro that gave jobs to much of Naples, Lauro found it easy enough to transfer his business success into political power. Further helping him was his close friendship with the Ciano family. A man of the people despite his extreme wealth, Lauro endeared himself to the voters as president of the revered Naples football team and promoted public welfare projects that gave housing to the poor and jobs for the workers.

Ideologically, Lauro has been considered a mixed bag, a man of contradictions. Unlike others in his party, Lauro has been a strong supporter of democracy in Italy, putting him at odds with fascist holdouts within BN. Lauro is a monarchist at heart, and has a warm relationship with Umberto II. Hewing back to his days as mayor of Naples, Lauro has championed numerous populist economic and social reforms, vowing to stamp out the last vestiges of anarchism and communism within Italy while offering alternative economic policies to better the lives of the everyday worker. Lauro's work is cut out for him, Italy may be destined for greatness, but it will require a firm hand and an iron will to achieve them. The great ship of state shall sail smoothly with 'o Comandante at its helm!

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• Dark Horse Victory: Given the controversies surrounding the Blocchi Nazionali, Lauro's victory in the 1969 elections will come off as even more stunning than his party's previous victory.
• Enemy Mine: Even though he and Fanfani come from opposing parties, the two can align their factions together to keep the Parliament stable and unite against communism.

Giorgio Almirante

Role: Head of State (Election)

Party: Movimento Sociale Italiano^note Italian Social Movement

Ideology: National Conservatism^note Paternalism(Moderate path), Neofascism^note Fascism (Radical path)

In-Game Biography ^{Click to Show}During the reign of Ciano, the empire was divided into two camps; those who supported the reforms and the uncertainty and hope they represented, and many bureaucrats, politicians and fanatics who opposed them. Everyone had to pick a side: for fascism or against it, for Ciano or against him, for the future or for the past, with no in between. Whenever Ciano spoke in Parliament, Giorgio Almirante clapped with the others, pledging his unwavering support. Whenever Scorza criticized the Duce of fascism, Almirante publicly mused about the need to protect the empire from its leader. In Verona, Almirante's name was in every conspiracy plotting for Ciano's removal - afterwards, he pledged to continue the great work of the last Duce.

Now, with Italy once more thrown into uncertainty, who were the people to turn towards? As they did in the past, they turned towards those who could protect them, promising them bread and peace - they turned to Almirante. Affable, genial, kind-hearted and polite, Almirante presents himself as distantly as possible from the fascist firebrands that filled the ranks of the PNF - promoting unity and order against divisiveness and conflict, soothing the distressed Italian public.

Few could have imagined such a victory for the Blocchi Nazionali, but Almirante showed the people a party that, while respectful of democracy, would still fight fiercely for what it stands for. What that exactly is, was never clear - it's possible Almirante himself doesn't know. Promising to uphold the legacies of both Mussolini and Ciano, there seems to be no way he can do both. With him and his party now at the helm of the nation, everyone in Italy and beyond seems to ponder the same question - will Almirante fulfill the destiny of Italy's new democracy, or kill it in its cradle?

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• Affably Evil: Unlike the other fascists in Italy, Almirante appears more polite and genial, which can make him a popular candidate for Prime Minister if Italy democratizes.
• Enemy Mine: Almirante can cozy up with the United States, especially under Jeane Kirkpatrick, finding mutual cause in deterring and countering the Reich.
• Evil Reactionary: Almirante remains sympathetic to fascism and believes that a return to some of its tenets will keep Italy powerful on the global stage.
• Pragmatic Villainy: Almirante has no interest in reinstituting the old system of fascism because the people have become disillusioned with it. Under his ideology of "neofascism", he seeks to remove or cover up any aspect of fascism's image (but only its image, though accompanied by token policy concessions) that might prove unpopular or problematic, in order to sustain and normalize fascism within a liberal democracy. This remains true even in his moderate path, mainly due to being willing to cover up his neofascist agenda under more euphemistic policies.
• President Evil: After Italy transitions into a liberal democracy and the National Fascist Party is banned, Almirante founds the Italian Social Movement, a far-right party that seeks to re-implement some parts of fascism through electoral means.
• Realpolitik: Almirante can garner support from the US should Kirkpatrick win the presidency, potentially even bringing Italy into the OFN despite the Americans being aware of his "neofascism". This is justified, however, as being in the name of deterring the Reich and with the promise of democratic reform.

Other Important People

Junio Valerio Borghese

Role: Military Commander, Head of State (Borghese coup)

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Fascism

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• The Coup: If he has dominant influence in the military and Scorza completely flubs the response to the Oil Crisis, Borghese will launch a coup to install himself as Duce.
• Evil Reactionary: In a democratic Italy, Borghese longs for a return to fascism and can give his support to Almirante out of shared ideological conviction.
• Karma Houdini: Having no respect for the monarchy, Borghese refuses to shake hands with Prince Filiberto and, when asked why, he responds that an admiral should not salute a colonel. Despite this blatant insubordination, Borghese gets no serious punishment because he's too important to be let go.
• Know When to Fold 'Em: If Italy democratizes, Borghese will keep his head down, knowing that further resistance. He even gives information about traitors in the Italian army, currying favor with the new power in charge.
• Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: Borghese is the chief rival to Sogno over who controls the military, in which Scorza can manage the balance of power by pulling favors for one or the other.
• Villain with Good Publicity: In spite of being a devout fascist, Borghese is extremely popular to the public and the military for his service in the Second World War. Even a democratic Italy can't fire him because he's too well-liked and they can't risk a controversy.
• Villainous Friendship: Borghese is one of Scorza's closest friends and a trustworthy confidant, owing to his shared devotion to fascism.
• War Hero: Borghese is a World War II veteran for his service in the Regia Marina, in which he's still riding high on his glory.

Edgardo Sogno

Role: Military Commander, Head of State (Sogno coup)

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista - Monarchio^note National Fascist Party - Monarchy

Ideology: Despotism

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• Cincinnatus: After deposing Scorza, Sogno returns power to King Umberto, declaring himself merely a general in service to the king.
• The Coup: If Sogno wields dominant influence in the military, he may overthrow Scorza, if he completely fails to mitigate the effects of the Oil Crisis.
• Old Retainer: Sogno has no personal love for fascism, as his true loyalties lie with Umberto and the monarchy.
• Teeth-Clenched Teamwork: He and Borghese compete for influence of the military. Depending on Scorza's actions, the relationship can either favor one side or manage a balance between the two.

Giovanni De Lorenzo

Role: Military Commander, Security Minister (Ciano cabinet), Head of State (Military Coup)

Party: Emergency Government

Ideology: Controlled Democracy^note Paternalism, Despotism (Military Coup)

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• The Coup: Should the post-democratization Italian government become too extreme, he would launch a coup called Piano Solo to eliminate a potential threat to democracy.
• Emergency Authority: Following his successful coup, De Lorenzo assumes emergency powers to "protect" the Italian democracy and eliminate the threats of fascists, socialists and other "subversive" elements to democracy in Italy.
• Secret Police: De Lorenzo leads the Servizio Informazioni Militare, the Italian military intelligence organization.
• Well-Intentioned Extremist: If the situation in Italy gets too chaotic or if a political party gets too extreme, De Lorenzo coups the civilian government and establishes a military dictatorship over the country for the sake of preserving Italy's progress toward democratization.

"Penelope's Web" Update

Upcoming content coming with the Italy rework in the "Penelope's Web" update.

General Tropes

• The Computer Is a Cheating Bastard: During the German invasion of Italy (which is provoked by a socialist revolution in Italy, and is heavily stacked in favour of Germany), an AI-controlled Italy benefits from numerous hidden buffs unavailable to the player, just so it could actually survive.
• Enemy Mine: The OFN initially supports the Italian People's Republic when Germany invades in response to the revolution, but only because it does not want Germany to win. After the war ends, the OFN is content to see Italy burn for all they care.
• Evil Versus Evil: The Quadrumvirate are unified in their hatred of Ciano and will get rid of him as soon as possible. Once he's taken care of, they will compete with each other to determine who will succeed the Duce, as shown in the the Grand Council of Fascism teaser.
• Foil: The Quadrumvirate are this to Hitler's would-be successors in Germany. Whereas the Reich descends into a violent civil war, the power struggle within Italy is comparatively discreet and requires more effort to instigate something similarly radical, such as a socialist revolution. Moreover, even with the esoteric Giani and Muti's visions of reviving the spirit of Fiume, each member is shown to be comparatively more pragmatic and logical with their actual plans.
• Know When to Fold 'Em: If the EAM rules Greece and pushes Italy out of Northern Epirus in the Red Greek victory teaser, Italy will cut their losses and sue for peace, even though losing to a minor power is extremely humiliating. Italy tries to save some pride by putting on a threatening front in the negotiations, especially when giving away Albanian land, but it doesn't work.
• Pragmatic Villainy:
  • In Italy's Fascist path, while some Duces are more repressive, ideological, or violent than others, none of them are insane and all of them have cabinets full of skilled advisors they consult seriously and take rational action to achieve what they see as important end goals rather than engaging in mad actions out of ideological fanaticism. Said goals might or might not be ultimately desirable in the player's mind, but the developers have expressed a desire to avoid anything that might suggest their actions are the result of mental instability. All four have failstates and all four can succeed in their goals for Italy.
  • When Amadeo's corruption is uncovered in the teased "Restoring Order" event, the Minister of Colonial Affairs is outraged and would execute Amadeo under normal circumstances. They stop short of that because he's a decorated war hero and member of the Imperial family, so killing him would reflect badly on their reputation.
  • Also from the teased "Restoring Order" event, the Italian government sends minimal aid to Fossa's campaign against the African partisans because they can't spare many men after the Italo-Turkish War. The only reason they're sending any aid at all is so that they don't look weak on the world stage.
• Regime Change: In the Monaco teaser, if the PNF retains power, they can back Lepri's coup to allow Antoinette I to become the new Queen of Monaco, so that Lepri can run the country under their thumb. Alternatively, if a socialist revolution overtakes Italy, they can send forces to support the revolutionaries in Monaco to oust the royal family and install an syndicalist government.
• Secret War: The power struggle among the Quadrumvirate is largely behind the scenes, as each member seeks to marginalize if not eliminate the other.

The Quadrumvirate

Alessandro Pavolini

Role: General Secretary of the National Fascist Party, Duce^note Head of State (Ciano succession)

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Fascism

The current secretary of the PNF and the most prominent of the Quadrumvirate expected to succeed Ciano. As Duce, the cruel and uncompromising Pavolini seeks to reinvigorate the Empire by ruthlessly cracking down on the enemies of Italy and Fascism.

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• The Brute: Pavolini certainly qualifies, being too full of himself to recognize that liberal brutal force creates problems for long term stability. In a focus teaser, Pavolini creates a Special Forces group directly inspired off of the SS to enforce his rule through harsh repression.
• Control Freak: Every Duce is motivated to do what's right for Italy: according to a teased focus, Pavolini's idea of what's best is him holding the reigns of power. Michelangelo needed marble to sculpt mighty statues, and with just clay, Pavolini will be nothing more than a potter. Pavolini will take a firm hold◊ of Italy and its people, hardening them, reforging them into marble.
• Crushing the Populace: While all of the Duces are oppressive to one degree or another, Pavolini is singled out as the most violent and murderous of the bunch. A teased focus concerning Pavolini is about him ruling Italy with an iron first and crushing all opposition with brute force. For this reason, Pavolini's rule will be like the popular image of fascism itself - brutal, punishment-obsessed, and intolerant.
• Dissonant Serenity: For all his repressive if not openly cruel policies, Pavolini is otherwise incredibly composed and calm.
• The Dreaded: His teased focus states that Pavolini, a former member of the Blackshirts who takes inspiration from the NSDAP in Germany, is one of the most feared people in Italy.
• Nazi Nobleman: While not an outright Nazi, a teaser reveals◊ that Pavolini hails from an aristocratic background. This has given him an excellent education, and an unsettling calmness that sharply contrasts with his brutality.
• Historical In-Joke: Pavolini in OTL also became the Secretary of the Fascist Party, but it was the Republican Fascist Party in the Italian Social Republic, rather than the National Fascist Party, as shown in his teased focus.
• Praetorian Guard: Two teased focus icons reveal that Pavolini will create a Special Operation Force called the Brigate Nere, which is partially inspired by the German SS and deployed on dangerous missions to enforce the Duce's will. They are his personal tools to cement his grip on power.
• State Sec: As a former member of the Blackshirts, Pavolini wants to empower the organization to new heights to create a fascist securocracy, as shown in his teased focus description about creating the Brigate Nere.
• We Used to Be Friends: A teaser for the Grand Council of Fascism states that he and Ciano used to be friends, until the latter's incompetence led Pavolini to accuse him of leading Italy to ruin, souring their relationship. Even so, Pavolini still thinks Ciano was a good leader at the beginning of his reign, which is more than what the rest of the Quadrumvirate will say about him.

Italo Balbo

Role: Duce^note Head of State (Ciano succession)

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Fascism

A famous Italian aviator, commander, colonial governor, and PNF veteran. Balbo's public fame has made him influential in the government, and he is one of the Quadrumvirate expected to succeed Ciano. As Duce, Balbo aims to implement moderate and pragmatic policies to bring Italy to a new era of peace and prosperity.

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• The Assimilator: While not stooping to the point of genocide, Balbo will make a point to push for Italianizing the colonies, no matter the cost. The teased event "Flying on Egyptian Winds" shows that his ultimate aim is to make Italy's overseas empire almost indistinguishable from the homeland itself.
• Boring, but Practical: As shown in his exclusive teaser for the Connettere l’Impero, Balbo places a great deal of interest in improving Italy's infrastructure plans and projects, which sounds mundane, but can actually provide a great boon for the Italian economy, to the point that it could be on par with the other superpowers.
• Condescending Compassion: He has no real disdain towards Jews or colonial natives, and even goes so far as to encourage respect for local customs, albeit in the most patronizing sense, so long as they know their place in his Italy.
• Evil Colonialist: Played With. The teaser for the Grand Council of Fascism shows that Balbo wishes to keep Italy's overseas empire powerful no matter the cost, having spent much time in the colonies to understand their value. On the other hand, Balbo's shown to have no real malice towards the natives, so long as they don't stand in the way of either his plans or the Italian settlers.
• Foil: Balbo is one to his predecessor, Galeazzo Ciano. While both have strong connections to Mussolini and a commitment to his legacy, Balbo is much more proactive in ensuring it actually endures, as demonstrated in the teaser for his gameplay. Whereas Ciano adores his father-in-law to such a counterproductive degree that he avoids even so much as making minor alterations to those policies, to the detriment of the country.
• Internal Reformist: According to the Grand Council of Fascism leak, Balbo's brand of Fascism makes enough pragmatic concessions for it to be both the least brutal and potentially the longest lasting path among the Quadrumvirate.
• Know When to Fold 'Em: Balbo seeks to keep Italy's colonial empire as intact as possible. That said, he isn't blind to how unstable, if not untenable, the East African colonies are. Thus, while he's one of the most likely Duces to try and reclaim them, he's just as likely to count his losses and reach a compromise.
• Large Ham: Invoked by Balbo's victory speech and the preparations surrounding it in the teased event "The Great Work Begins", purposefully echoing Mussolini's theatrical flair.
• A Lighter Shade of Black: Teased events for the Connettere l’Impero mechanic show that while he maintains a totalitarian regime, his rule is one where people lead a prosperous and rather unstressful existence, albeit at the expense of oppression abroad.
• Meet the New Boss: Downplayed. Overall, Balbo seeks to maintain the Mussolini legacy as much as possible. Unlike Ciano, however, he nonetheless makes an effort to iron out the flaws of the regime and implement reforms through his teased Connettere l’Impero mechanic.
• Pragmatic Villainy:
  • As shown in the Connettere l’Impero teaser, Balbo's focus on a stable, non-divisive fascist Italy makes him one of the more successful Duces with the largest potential sphere of influence and potentially the strongest economy even compared to democratic Italy.
  • The Connettere l’Impero teaser also shows him making an effort to further develop the colonies. This, however, is more of an offshoot of his infrastructure plans and done to facilitate their integration with the homeland than any real concern for the natives.
• Reassigned to Antarctica: Should Ciano focus on purging the Quadrumvirate in his teased focus tree from "The Odyssey" dev diary, he would send Balbo to Libya, far away from politics in Rome.
• Repressive, but Efficient: Despite all the reforms he enacts, several events in the Connettere l’Impero teaser testify that Balbo remains a totalitarian, fascist dictator who arrests and puts down any dissidents who oppose his rule. Nonetheless, his combination of pragmatism and ruthlessness makes him one of the most efficient Italian leaders and creates a brand of fascism that has a strong chance of surviving in the long-term.
• Serendipitous Survival: Unlike OTL, Balbo was fortunate enough to never be killed by friendly fire. Thus, he has remained a major player in the Italian political scene and can potentially succeed Ciano.
• Status Quo Is God: Downplayed. Balbo's vision for Italy remains based on Mussolini's, but the Connettere l’Impero teaser shows him making enough pragmatic concessions for reform in order to keep fascism a viable ideology.
• Villain with Good Publicity: His competence, aerial exploits, and war hero status have made him particularly popular among the Italian military and wider public.
• War Hero: A more villainous example than others, but his teased focus description mentions that his competence and war hero status have made him particularly popular among the common people for his acts of bravery.
• White Man's Burden: Downplayed. The "Flying on Egyptian Winds" event and Connettere l’Impero teaser suggest that while Balbo may not hold personal prejudice against native peoples or view his efforts as bringing Italian civilization to "ignorant savages", he nonetheless seeks to make the colonies almost mirror-images of the homeland. This is reinforced by how a bureaucrat in one event tries evicting a Berber clan from land claimed as Italian property while patronizingly grandstanding about respecting local cultures.

Ettore Muti

Role: Duce^note Head of State (Ciano succession)

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Sansepolcrismo^note Fascism

A former PNF secretary who has regained political prominence and is now one of the Quadrumvirate expected to succeed Ciano. Shaped by the passionate nationalism of the Arditi, D'Annunzio, and the March on Rome, Muti has remained radical even as Italy aged and decayed. As Duce, it is Muti's goal to restore the forgotten idealism of early Fascism and rejuvenate Italy's spirit.

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• Allohistorical Allusion: As peculiar as Muti's vision for Fascism is, the Grand Council of Fascism teaser mention several real-life sources that Sansepolcrismo is heavily modeled after, such as Gabriele D'Annunzio's Futurist ideals, the views of Harukichi Shimoi, and the spirit of Fiume.
• Broken Pedestal: Downplayed, but the Grand Council of Fascism teaser heavily implies that Muti had grown disillusioned with Mussolini over time, influencing his plans of "returning" Fascism back to its leftist ideals.
• Commie Nazis: The Quadrumvirate teaser shows that Muti has become emboldened by idealistic PNF members who believe that the real Fascist revolution was never truly tried, where he can attempt to revive the early ideals of original Fascism, including syndicalism, which were seemingly betrayed by Mussolini.
• Cool Bike: The teased "Roaring Back to Life" event reveals that Muti owns a Harley-Davidson bike which is thirty years old and still fast and loyal, 'more than any woman could be'.
• Good Old Ways: Played With, according to the Grand Council of Fascism leak. Rather than appealing to Italian traditions, Muti instead invokes the old spirit of Fiume, which he believes to have been sullied by Mussolini.
• Internal Reformist: His descriptions in the Quadrumvirate and Grand Council of Fascism teasers state that Muti seeks to reignite the revolutionary ideals of early Fascism, and introduce reforms into the ideology that can be considered progressive to an extent (at the bare minimum, anti-traditional).
• Just the First Citizen: Compared to the rest of the Quadrumvirate, his victory speech in the teased event "Rekindling An Old Flame" has him appear wearing his old blackshirt uniform from the 1920s, symbolizing both his professed return to basics, and the spirit of Fiume that he believes Mussolini had sullied.
• The Last DJ: Muti considers himself one of the last torch-bearers of not just Sansepolcrismo, but also of the old Futurist ideals that drove Gabriele D'Annunzio's ill-fated experiment in Fiume.
• A Lighter Shade of Black: As described in the Grand Council of Fascism leak, Muti redefines the very concept of what Fascism actually means, bringing back to its idealistic roots and giving it a more "humane" face. This can mean implementing limited democratic reforms, giving women their denied rights and opportunities for self-realization and establishing worker's control of factories, albeit for pragmatic reasons.
• Visionary Villain: In the Quadrumvirate and Grand Council of Fascism leak, Muti's Sansepolcrismo is shown to have a vision for a Fascist Italy based not on Mussolini's ideals, but on the old fascist and Futurist spirit of Fiume.
• War Hawk: While all Duces are militarists, Muti stands as out the most hawkish, as shown in his focus icon teaser. A vocal supporter of the armed forces, idealising the concept of the Roman citizen-soldier, and lavishing the honorable warrior traditions of Japan, his foreign policy will largely be aggressive, consisting of fiery rhetoric and shows of strength. Understandably, as a result, his support base is primarily found among militarists and the armed forces, with him sharing the most military support with Balbo.

Niccolò Giani

Role: Duce^note Head of State (Ciano succession)

Party: Partito Nazionale Fascista^note National Fascist Party

Ideology: Fascist Mysticism^note Fascism

The founder and chief theorist of the School of Fascist Mysticism with a fringe but unignorable political influence, and the least prominent of the Quadrumvirate. Viewing Fascism as a spiritual philosophy dedicated to the infallible Duce Mussolini, Giani sees Italy at present as a faithless nation that strayed from Fascism. As Duce, Giani seeks to save Italy's soul from its errors and restore the nation to true Fascism.

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• Cult: Based on his teased subideology description, Giani's ultimate goal is eerily cultish, namely indoctrinating and enslaving the Italian people spiritually to fascist doctrine and absolute worship of their "savior", Mussolini.
• Cult of Personality: As shown in the Grand Council of Fascism teaser, Giani will create one surrounding Benito Mussolini, praising him as a benevolent leader who saved Italy from its own decadence, until Ciano sullied his legacy.
• Dark Messiah: His teased ascension event "Saving an Empire's Soul" demonstrates that Giani is a very talented orator who has been stated to rouse the masses of the Italian Empire in a way only a prophet could with an "empire-wide megaphone" for his rhetoric.
• Downer Ending: His teased victory event all but states that a triumphant Giani is worst possible Fascist outcome for Italy. This is in part because, as noted above, he will seek to force the entire population to embrace Fascism at the expense of all free will. In an ideological sense, he will make Italian Fascism just as infamous and terrifying as Nazism was to the world.
• Earn Your Bad Ending: Giani starts with the least amount of support of the Quadrumvirate and the most likely to fail. However, his teased victory event proves that it is still possible for him to realize his mystical beliefs and convert Italy into a nation of fanatical fascists.
• Evil Virtues: The Quadrumvirate teaser describes Giani as honest, intelligent, determined, and loyal to his nation. Unfortunately, he uses those qualities to implement the worst possible version of a fascist Italy.
• The Evils of Free Will: As described in the Grand Council of Fascism teaser, what makes Giani potentially more horrifying than Pavolini is that while Pavolini will rely on mass repression and executions directed against all political dissent, Giani will seek to stamp out all free will in Italy and forcibly convert the entire population to Fascism in his desire to make Fascism a way of life for all Italians to adhere to.
• Foil: Giani is one to his predecessor, Galeazzo Ciano. While both have strong connections to Mussolini and a commitment to his legacy, Ciano adores his father-in-law to such a counterproductive degree that he avoids even so much as making minor alterations to those policies, to the detriment of the country. Giani, by contrast, seeks to radically follow those ideas to their (il)logical conclusion.
• Hero-Worshipper: His description in the Quadrumvirate teaser describes Giani's belief that fascism is more than just a political ideology but a way of life. Giani worships the old Duce Mussolini's vision as perfect and often criticises Galeazzo Ciano for perverting it in the name of his inane goals.
• The Last DJ: In a more perverse sense than both Ciano and Balbo, Giani considers himself the last true believer in Mussolini's dream, and intends to see its ultimate culmination.
• The Philosopher King: From his description in the Grand Council of Fascism teaser, fascism isn't just a political ideology to Giani; it's a deeply spiritual philosophy that resonates with a person's insecurities and offers them comfort if they can transcend to the ideals of fascism.
• Politically Incorrect Villain: Unlike Balbo and Muti, Giani is anti-Semitic in his rhetoric and actions, where one of his teased focus icons is about blaming the Jews for Italy's problems.
• Purple Is the New Black: His unique subideology icon and several of his focuses are colored in purple, emphasizing his peculiar and heterodox ideology.
• Rebuilt Pedestal: In the most unnerving way possible, Giani aims to not just rehabilitate Mussolini's legacy, but also take his vision to its (il)logical conclusion.
• Serendipitous Survival: With fortune's intervention, Giani wasn't killed during the Italian invasion of Greece like in OTL, meaning that he could continue to promote his insane ideology and become a member of the Quadrumvirate.
• Visionary Villain: In contrast to most other fascist leaders who either view fascism as a means to an end to gain and secure power or make as an excuse to pursue their own visions for it, the Quadrumvirate teaser states that Giani genuinely believes in the ideology as Mussolini envisioned it, not only as an ideal but as a higher form of life to aspire for.

Prime Ministers

Giulio Andreotti

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Second Election)

Party: Partito Popolare Italiano^note Italian People's Party

Ideology: Christian Conservatism^note Conservatism

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• Heel Realization: In his teased introductory event, Andreotti anonymously confesses his underhanded tactics to a priest, expressing guilt for what he's done, but still believing that his cause is just.
• Well-Intentioned Extremist: As shown in his teased event, Andreotti engages in questionable and corrupt behavior that erode Italy's democratic principles, but he engages in such actions to ensure that the fragile government won't collapse and to protect the country's Catholic faith.

Pino Rauti

Role: Prime Minister^note Head of State (Second Election)

Party: Fronte Nazionale^note National Front

Ideology: Fascism

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• President Evil: Rauti is a fascist who can get elected Prime Minister after liberal democracy is restored in Italy.

Presidents

Franco Rodano

Party: Partito Comunista d'Italia^note Communist Party of Italy

Ideology: Christian Socialism^note Socialism

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• Enemy Mine: Becoming President in his teaser, Rodano creates a right opposition faction to undermine Secchia, recruiting middle-class managers into the bureaucracy and putting figures like Salvatore Cipriani into positions of power. Once Secchia is no longer a threat, this same bloc will turn on Rodano and potential render him powerless.
• Everyone Has Standards: In his teaser, Rodano recognizes the threat of the middle class bureaucrats, but he refuses to engage in Stalin-esque purges that he knows Secchia would engage in, even if he doesn't see an alternative.
• The Friend Nobody Likes: Rodano's beliefs have earned him few allies within the party, as shown in his teaser. Secchia and the Marxist-Leninists view him as a revisionist, Lombardi and the moderates think he's too radical, and Rodano's own Bolshevist allies, such as Alicata, are wary of his platform.
• Real Men Love Jesus: Rodano is a Catholic Communist, who aims to blend the two beliefs together, despite the obvious incompatibility between religion and dialectical materialism, as well as the opposition within the PCdI.

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