History of Aldo Moro

Aldo Moro was an influential Italian statesman and a prominent figure in post-war Italian politics. His career was marked by both his steadfast commitment to the democratic process and a tragic end that underscored the political volatility of Italy during the 1970s.

Born on September 23, 1916, in Maglie, in the southern region of Apulia, Moro was a bright student, which led him to pursue law at the University of Bari. He excelled academically and eventually became a professor of philosophy of law. His academic career, however, was soon intertwined with politics. As a young man, Moro joined the Christian Democracy (Democrazia Cristiana or DC) party, which was predominantly Catholic and centrist.

Moro's political career gained momentum after World War II, a time when Italy was in ruins and in need of reconstruction. He participated in the National Council established after the fall of Mussolini's fascist regime in 1943. By 1946, he was elected to the Constituent Assembly, which was responsible for drafting Italy's new republican constitution. His contributions to the new Italian constitution laid the groundwork for his political philosophy, which emphasized social justice, inclusiveness, and the consideration of diverse viewpoints within the democratic process.

The Christian Democracy party quickly established itself as the dominant political force in post-war Italy, and Moro's ascent within its ranks was steady. He held various ministerial positions, which included the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Public Instruction. His tenure as Minister of Education was particularly noteworthy for numerous educational reforms that sought to modernize and democratize access to education.

In 1963, Aldo Moro became Prime Minister of Italy, a position he would hold in two non-consecutive periods (1963-1968 and 1974-1976). His administrations were distinguished by a bold political strategy known as the "Opening to the Left" (Apertura a Sinistra). This initiative sought to incorporate the Italian Socialist Party (PSI) into the government coalition, which was a strategic effort to stabilize Italian politics by bringing the socialists, who until then had been in opposition, into a parliamentary alliance with the centrist Christian Democrats. This was a contentious move that faced opposition from the more conservative elements within his party and from outside factions who viewed collaboration with the socialists as a potential slippery slope toward communist influence in government.

Despite internal and external challenges, Moro's strategy proved somewhat successful in expanding the government’s base of support. This approach mirrored Moro's broader belief in dialogue and compromise as essential tools of governance, especially in a divided and often fractious political landscape like Italy's.

The latter part of Moro's political life was marked by an ambitious but fraught initiative known as the "Historic Compromise" (Compromesso Storico). During the 1970s, Italy was experiencing significant social unrest and economic challenges, exacerbated by the global oil crisis. At this juncture, the Italian Communist Party (PCI) was gaining strength, distinct from other Western European communist parties by its independence from the Soviet Union. Moro advocated for a strategic alliance between the Christian Democrats and the communists, the latter led by Enrico Berlinguer. This initiative was seen as a pragmatic approach to ensuring stable governance by incorporating the communists into the democratic process, thus preventing their radicalization and aligning them with West European democratic norms.

However, not all were enthused by this prospect, and it drew considerable controversy both domestically and internationally, particularly from the United States, which was wary of communist success in Western Europe. Within Italy, Moro's proposal was a lightning rod for political tensions, and this contentious atmosphere served as a backdrop to the most tragic chapter of his life.

On March 16, 1978, Aldo Moro was kidnapped by the Red Brigades, a left-wing terrorist organization. The kidnapping happened when Moro was on his way to a parliamentary session that was expected to formalize a DC-PCI collaboration. The Red Brigades saw Moro as instrumental in bringing about the Historic Compromise, which they vehemently opposed. During 55 days of captivity, Moro wrote numerous letters to politicians, the Pope, and his family, pleading for negotiation and his release. Despite his pleas, the DC government under Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti maintained a hardline stance of non-negotiation with the terrorists, fearing that any concession would bolster efforts of terrorism.

On May 9, 1978, the lifeless body of Aldo Moro was discovered in the trunk of a car parked in central Rome. His assassination shocked Italy and the world, symbolizing the zenith of the domestic terrorism crisis known as the "Years of Lead" (Anni di piombo). His death marked a profound point of reflection on the balance between combating terrorism and engaging in the democratic process through dialogue.

Aldo Moro's political legacy is complex. He is remembered as a skilled negotiator and a proponent of inclusive democracy, whose efforts to navigate and reconcile disparate political ideologies within Italy left an indelible imprint on the country's political evolution. His tragic death remains a poignant reminder of the potential cost of political courage and vision.