Fanfani, Amintore (1908–1999)

Italian right-wing politician. He was a Christian Democrat premier of Italy in 1954, 1958–59, and 1960–63. Subsequently he became foreign minister and was noted for his ‘European’ policy. He was again premier 1982–83 and 1987.

Fanfani entered politics after World War II and held various offices under de Gasperi before becoming prime minister. After the failure of his ‘opening to the left’ in the 1960s, Fanfani became associated with the more conservative groups within the Christian Democrat Party. He played a leading role in the campaign for a referendum on the 1970 Divorce Bill, but was discredited by the negative vote. The communist gains in 1975 were seen as a further setback to his position.