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Cesare AlfieriItalian statesman and diplomat.
Date of Birth: 13.08.1799
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Cesare Alfieri: Italian Statesman and Diplomat
- Political Involvement under King Charles Albert
- Presidency of the Commission on Reforms
- Ministerial Role and Rivalry
- Presidency of the Senate and Later Life
Cesare Alfieri: Italian Statesman and Diplomat
Early Life and Diplomatic CareerCesare Alfieri was born in Turin on August 13, 1799, into an ancient patrician family from the Piedmontese city of Asti, which was also the lineage of the renowned poet Vittorio Alfieri. He embarked on a military career early on but soon transitioned to diplomacy. He served as a secretary at various embassies, including those in Saint Petersburg, Berlin, Florence, and Paris until 1825, where his father, Carlo Emanuele Alfieri, was ambassador.
Political Involvement under King Charles Albert
When Charles Albert ascended to the throne in 1831, Alfieri was summoned to his court. Through his familial ties to Camillo Benso Count of Cavour and the Azeglio brothers, he aligned himself with their political party. In 1842, he joined Cavour and his supporters in founding the Turin Agricultural Society, a hub for social and political exchange, where he later became president.
Presidency of the Commission on Reforms
Appointed by King Charles Albert as president of the Commission on Reforms, Alfieri made significant contributions to the cause. He implemented key reforms such as the establishment of chairs in legal history, political economy, international law, and administration, as well as granting autonomy to universities.
Ministerial Role and Rivalry
Following the defeat at Custozza in 1848, Alfieri was appointed by the king as a close advisor on vital state affairs. However, he encountered a formidable rival in Vincenzo Gioberti, to whom he eventually yielded, returning to his position as vice-president of the Italian Senate.
Presidency of the Senate and Later Life
Alfieri served as president of the Senate from 1856 to 1860. He was bestowed the title of Marchese di Sostegno and passed away in Florence on April 16, 1869. A commemorative plaque honoring him can be found in the Santa Croce church in Florence.
