Enrico De Nicola

Enrico De Nicola, OMRI November 1877 October 1959 was an Italian jurist, journalist, politician, and provisional Head of State of republican Italy from 1946 to 1948. Afterwards, he became the first President of the Italian Republic onJanuary 1948.

Enrico De Nicola was born in Naples and became famous as one of the most esteemed penal lawyers in Italy. He studied law in the University of Naples, graduating in 1896. As a Liberal he was elected a deputy for the first time in 1909 and, from 1913 to 1921, he filled minor governmental posts until the advent of fascism, when he retired from political life. He served as UnderSecretary of State for the Colonies in the Giolitti government and UnderSecretary of State for the Treasury in the Orlando cabinet . OnJune 1920, he was elected speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, holding office until January 1924. He was appointed senator by King Victor Emmanuel III in 1929, but he refused to take his seat and never took part in the workings of the Assembly.

Source: Wikipedia