Bettino Craxi

Benedetto "Bettino" Craxi (24 February 1934 – 19 January 2000) was an Italian politician, leader of the Italian Socialist Party from 1976 to 1993 and Prime Minister of Italy from 1983 to 1987. He was the first member of the PSI to hold the office and the third Prime Minister from a socialist party. He led the third-longest government in the Italian Republic, and he is considered one of the most powerful and prominent politicians of the so-called First Republic.

Craxi was involved in investigations conducted by Mani Pulite judges in Milan, eventually being convicted for corruption and illicit financing of the Socialist Party. He always rejected the charges of corruption, while admitting to the illegal funding which permitted costly political activity, the PSI being less financially powerful than the two larger parties, Christian Democracy and the Communists. Craxi's government and party were also supported by future Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a media magnate and personal friend of Craxi.

Craxi maintained strong links with many leaders of the European left, including Felipe González and Mário Soares and was one of the main representatives of "Mediterranean socialism".

Craxi was often nicknamed by his detractors "il Cinghialone" ("The Big Boar"), due to his physical size. This name was given him by his long-time ally and opponent at the same time, Christian Democratic leader Giulio Andreotti.