The establishment of the dictatorship, 1925–28 What measures were taken after 1924 to further consolidate Mussolini’s power? The establishment of the dictatorship, 1925–28

The establishment of the dictatorship, 1925–28 On 3 January 1925, Mussolini addressed the Chamber of Deputies. He denied having set up the Ceka, and condemned the actions of Dumini’s gang. However, as prime minister and leader of the PNF, he assumed ultimate responsibility for Matteotti’s murder. Nonetheless, he made it clear that, rather than resigning, he would continue to rule Italy – by force ‘if necessary’.

Extract from a speech given by Mussolini, 3 January 1925 I declare before all Italy that I assume full responsibility for what has happened ... If Fascism has turned out to be only castor oil and rubber truncheons instead of being a superb passion inspiring the best youth of Italy, I am responsible ... Italians want peace and quiet, and to get on with its [sic] work. I shall give it all these, if possible in love, but if necessary by force.

In February 1925, Mussolini became seriously ill During his illness and recovery, power was exercised by Roberto Farinacci, the notorious ras of Cremona who had recently been appointed as party secretary by Mussolini. In fact, Mussolini disliked Farinacci, who was in favour of a total fascist takeover, but his appointment proved to be a shrewd move on Mussolini’s part.

A new wave of violence Farinacci launched a new campaign of squadristi violence against members of the Socialist and Communist Parties, as well as the more radical sections of the Popolari. Several people were killed, including Amendola, and many others decided to go into exile. Farinacci also supervised a purge of PNF members and local leaders (the latter in particular) who were considered to be insufficiently loyal to Mussolini.

Controlling the press The first step in establishing a fascist dictatorship was taken in July 1925, when Mussolini, now recovered from his illness, imposed a series of laws designed to control the press. Anti-fascist newspapers were shut down, while other newspapers were only allowed to print articles approved by the government. From December 1925, all journalists were required to be on a register drawn up by the Fascist Party.

Local and central government In the 93 provinces of Italy, elected mayors and councils of towns and cities were replaced by appointed fascist officials known as podesta Fascist political control was further established when all meetings by opposition parties were banned.

Il Duce On 24 December 1925, he made himself ‘head of government’, a new official title. He also assumed formal powers over his ministers, who became responsible to him rather than to the Chamber of Deputies. In January 1926, Mussolini assumed the power to issue decrees without parliamentary approval, making him responsible only to the king. The new law also stated that the king must secure Mussolini’s personal approval before appointing new ministers. Soon, Mussolini insisted on being called Il Duce (‘The Leader’).

By 1929 Mussolini held eight ministerial posts himself, thus excluding many other fascist leaders. However, in practice, it was the traditional conservative civil servants who ran these state departments rather than Mussolini or the Fascist Party.

Creation of a one-party state, 1926 Despite increased control, Mussolini’s position was still not totally secure. The king and the Chamber of Deputies still had influence, as did the increasingly harassed opposition parties. So in October 1926, after yet another failed assassination attempt on Mussolini, all parties other than the PNF were banned, and their deputies expelled from the Chamber. At the same time, trade unions were outlawed and a new law court (the Special Tribunal) was established to deal with political offences, some of which carried the death penalty. In 1927, Mussolini formed the Organizzazione per la Vigilanza e la Repressione dell’Antifascismo (Organisation for Vigilance and Repression of Anti-Fascism, or OVRA), a secret police force charged with suppressing political opponents.

Creation of a one-party state, 1926 The OVRA was not a specifically fascist organisation, being essentially an adaptation of the Interior Ministry’s existing secret police section. So OVRA was not the equivalent of the Nazi SS or Gestapo, as it was under state, not party, control.

Further measures to ensure that the Fascist Party wins and that Italy remains a one-party state May 1928 These included changes to the electoral system so that only men aged 21 or over who belonged to fascist syndicates (see page 28) could vote. The Fascist Grand Council drew up a list of 400 candidates from lists approved by confederations of employers and employees, and voters only had the choice of voting either for or against this list. Fear of fascist violence meant most Italians voted ‘yes’, as fascist officials in the polling stations were able to identify those who voted ‘no’ (the voting slips were different colours). Having secured a clear electoral victory, Mussolini was established as dictator of Italy. The Chamber contained only fascist deputies, and the king’s power was drastically reduced.