Rudini, Antonio Starrabba, Marchese Rudini (1839–1908)

Italian statesman. In 1859 he joined the revolutionary committee, and in 1866 became mayor of Palermo, Italy. In 1891 di Rudini formed a government which was overthrown within 15 months, but returned to power in 1896. He was confronted by a major economic recession and widespread discontent. Incapable of forming a coherent policy he relied exclusively on the army, and tension continued to mount, culminating in the massacre of rioting workers in Milan, Italy, in 1898. Unable to deal with the situation, di Rudini resigned. He was born in Palermo.