Andreotti, Giulio (1919- )

Italian Christian Democrat politician, a fervent European. He headed seven post-war governments: 1972-73, 1976-79 (four successive terms), and 1989-92 (two terms). In addition he was defence minister eight times, and foreign minister five times. The country's last Christian Democrat prime minister, his final term in office was marred by a mani puliti corruption scandal which destroyed the party.In 1993 Andreotti was among several high-ranking politicians accused of possible involvement in Italy's corruption network; he went on trial in September 1995 charged with using his influence to protect Mafia leaders in exchange for political support. The courts acquitted him in 2003 on grounds of expiration of statutory terms.

In November 1995 Andreotti and four others were charged with ordering the murder in 1979 of journalist Carmine Pecorelli, who was alleged to have been blackmailing Andreotti; and in February 1996, with other prominent former ministers, he was arraigned on further corruption charges. In 2002 he was initially convicted of the murder charge, but this verdict was overturned in 2003 on appeal.

Born in Rome, Andreotti was elected to the Italian parliament in 1946 and remained there continuously, being appointed a senator-for-life in 1991.