Forza Italia
Forza Italia (FI; translated to "Forward Italy" or "Let's Go Italy") was a centre-right liberal-conservative political party in Italy, with Christian-democratic, liberal (especially economically liberal), social-democratic and populist tendencies. It was founded by Silvio Berlusconi, who served as Prime Minister of Italy four times.
Forza Italia | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | FI |
| President | Silvio Berlusconi |
| Vice President |
|
| Founder | Silvio Berlusconi |
| Founded | 18 January 1994 |
| Dissolved | 27 March 2009 |
| Merged into | The People of Freedom |
| Headquarters | Via dell'Umiltà 36, Rome |
| Student wing | Students for the Freedoms |
| Youth wing | Forza Italia – Young People for Freedom |
| Membership (2007) | 400,000 |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | Centre-right |
| National affiliation |
|
| European affiliation | European People's Party (1999–2009) |
| European Parliament group |
|
| Colours | Azure |
| Anthem | "Forza Italia" |
The party was founded in December 1993 and won its first general election soon afterwards in March 1994. It was the main member of the Pole of Freedoms/Pole of Good Government, Pole for Freedoms and House of Freedoms coalitions. Throughout its existence, the party was characterised by a strong reliance on the personal image and charisma of its leader (it has been called a "personality party" or Berlusconi's "personal party"), and the skillful use of media campaigns, especially via television. The party's organisation and ideology depended heavily on its leader, so much so that its appeal to voters was based on Berlusconi's personality more than on its ideology or programme.
In November 2008, the national council of the party, presided by Alfredo Biondi, voted to merge Forza Italia into The People of Freedom (PdL), Berlusconi's new political vehicle, whose official foundation took place in March 2009. A new Forza Italia was established by Berlusconi as PdL's legal successor in 2013.