The Close of an Era (September 1992–April 1993)

The political events between 1989 and 1992 are a clear indication that particracy in Italy was being seriously challenged. The events which took place in the eight months from September to April 1993 confirm this trend. The traditional political parties were fighting for their life, while new political forces gained momentum. As the investigations on corruption in the North and the mafia in the South produced spectacular results, the political careers of established political figures like Bettino Craxi and Giulio Andreotti came to an abrupt end. More than any other event, the undignified departure of Craxi and Andreotti from the political scene signalled the end of an era. In a desperate attempt to come out of the ongoing political crisis, a popular referendum was mandated in April 1993 which, amongst other things, pushed for changes in the electoral system.