Fanfani e il Muro di Berlino

Abstract

When the second Berlin crisis comes to a climax, the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev invites the Italian Prime Minister, Amintore Fanfani, to Moscow. His visit takes place in August 1961, on the eve of the construction of the Wall that will divide the German capital for about thirty years. Fanfani's intent is promote and reconciling the interests of Italy and Christian Democracy as well as those of the Atlantic Alliance and of the Catholic Church, in view of the Second Vatican Council, against a complex background of a shaky and still to form political alliance with the socialists. At first the outcome of the visit seems to be successful. Yet, with the appearance of the Wall in the following days and with the passing of time without a negotiation between East and West, it proves to be rather disappointing. Nevertheless, it deals with an episode whose backstage intrigues are surprising and whose developments are unexpected. In particular, it turns out to be interesting since it gives the opportunity to understand the complexity not only of the historical moment, but also of the political personality of the Christian Democratic leader.