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Ignazio La RussaItalian politician
Date of Birth: 18.07.1947
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Political Beginnings
- Alliance with the National Alliance
- Leadership in the National Alliance
- Minister of Defense
- Military Operations
- Withdrawal from Afghanistan
- Personal Life
Early Life and Career
Ignazio La Russa, an Italian politician, was born in Paternò, Sicily, on June 18, 1947. His family moved to Milan when he was 13 years old. La Russa earned a law degree from the University of Pavia and worked briefly at the Italian Supreme Court.
Political Beginnings
As a student, La Russa became involved in far-right youth organizations and later joined the neo-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI). In 1985, he was elected to the Lombardy Regional Council, and in 1992, he was simultaneously elected to the Italian Chamber of Deputies and Senate, where he has served ever since.
Alliance with the National Alliance
Following the dissolution of the MSI and the formation of the more moderate National Alliance (AN), La Russa became the vice president of the new party. Within the AN, La Russa and Maurizio Gasparri led a moderate faction.
Leadership in the National Alliance
La Russa served as president of the AN's parliamentary group in the Chamber of Deputies from 2001 to 2003 and 2004 to 2008. From 2008 until its merger with the People of Freedom (PdL), he was the acting head of the party.
Minister of Defense
After the 2008 snap parliamentary elections and the formation of a center-right government, La Russa was appointed Minister of Defense. He also became one of three coordinators of the ruling People of Freedom party.
Military Operations
During his tenure, La Russa authorized an increase in the deployment of drones and helicopters for reconnaissance operations in Afghanistan. In 2009, a new NATO air base was established in Sigonella, Italy. To reduce government spending, La Russa announced a reduction in the purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighter jets.
Withdrawal from Afghanistan
In June 2010, La Russa announced Italy's intention to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan between 2011 and 2013. However, he later announced an increase in the troop contingent from 3,150 to 4,000 by the end of 2010, while maintaining the withdrawal timeline.
