Pietro Borghese (born 1888, died 1968) was an [[Italian]] [[Fascism|Fascist]] politician and prefect during the [[Kingdom of Italy]] and the subsequent [[Italian Social Republic]] (RSI). He is primarily known for his administrative role in [[Ferrara]] during [[World War II]] and his involvement in the implementation of repressive measures of the Fascist regime.
Biography
Borghese was born in [[Rome]], Italy. He became an early member of the [[National Fascist Party]] (PNF) and advanced through its ranks, holding various administrative and political positions within the Fascist state following [[Benito Mussolini]]'s rise to power.Prefect of Ferrara
Following the [[Allied invasion of Sicily]] and the [[Armistice of Cassibile]] in September 1943, Italy was divided. The northern and central parts of the country, under German occupation, became the [[Italian Social Republic]] (RSI), a puppet state of [[Nazi Germany]]. Pietro Borghese was appointed as the Prefect of Ferrara, a significant administrative role, within this new Fascist republic.During his tenure as Prefect of Ferrara from 1943 to 1945, Borghese was a key figure in enforcing the RSI's policies, which included:
- Repression of Anti-Fascists: He was responsible for the suppression of anti-Fascist resistance movements and political dissidents in the province.
- Persecution of Jews: Borghese actively participated in the implementation of the racial laws (Leggi Razziali) and the roundups of Jewish citizens residing in Ferrara. Many members of Ferrara's historic Jewish community were deported to [[extermination camps]] under his administration.
- Maintenance of Public Order: He oversaw the maintenance of order and civil administration, working in conjunction with German occupation forces and the RSI's military and paramilitary units.
Post-War
After the collapse of the Italian Social Republic in April 1945, Pietro Borghese was arrested. He was tried for collaboration and crimes committed during his time as Prefect. Convicted of his role in the Fascist regime's atrocities, he served a prison sentence. Borghese passed away in 1968.See Also
- [[History of Ferrara]]
- [[The Holocaust in Italy]]
- [[Italian Social Republic]]
- [[National Fascist Party]]