Difference between revisions of "National Fascist Party (Kingdom of Italy)"
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The National Fascist Party is a voluntary militia under the command of the Duce, in the service of the Fascist State. The Duce is the Head of P.N.F. Gives orders for the action to be performed. The tasks of P.N.F. are: the preservation and enhancement of the Fascist Revolution, the political education of the Italians. The Fascist comprises life as duty, elevation, conquest and must always keep in mind the commandment of the Duce: "Believing Obeying Fighting".<br /> | The National Fascist Party is a voluntary militia under the command of the Duce, in the service of the Fascist State. The Duce is the Head of P.N.F. Gives orders for the action to be performed. The tasks of P.N.F. are: the preservation and enhancement of the Fascist Revolution, the political education of the Italians. The Fascist comprises life as duty, elevation, conquest and must always keep in mind the commandment of the Duce: "Believing Obeying Fighting".<br /> | ||
The P.N.F. is made up of ''Fasci di Combattimento'': the Fasces are grouped into provincial Fighting Fasces Federations. Within the ''Fasci di Combattimento'' level, Fascist Borough Groups, Sectors and Sections can be constituted.<br> | The P.N.F. is made up of ''Fasci di Combattimento'': the Fasces are grouped into provincial Fighting Fasces Federations. Within the ''Fasci di Combattimento'' level, Fascist Borough Groups, Sectors and Sections can be constituted.<br> | ||
− | In their daily activities PNF activists at the neighbourhood or workplace level often choose to ignore obstinate characters, who are not important or numerous enough to be reproved. The most provocative and rebellious cases do face retribution. Keeping the Party’s approval is a prerequisite for navigating administrative channels | + | In their daily activities PNF activists at the neighbourhood or workplace level often choose to ignore obstinate characters, who are not important or numerous enough to be reproved. The most provocative and rebellious cases do face retribution. Keeping the Party’s approval is a prerequisite for navigating administrative channels, and the party ultimately has the power to excommunicate people, leaving them ineligible for bank accounts or homes.<br> |
− | + | As for other single-parties, the PNF is based on guidance: the leader leads the party, the party leads its members, its members lead society. | |
== Ideology == | == Ideology == | ||
[[File:FascistItalyflag (ISR).png|thumb|200px|National Flag of National Fascist Party. This Flag is used also as arm badges.]] | [[File:FascistItalyflag (ISR).png|thumb|200px|National Flag of National Fascist Party. This Flag is used also as arm badges.]] | ||
− | The official ideology of the PNF is "Fascism", which in turn is made up by several tenets and components. It is to note that the official content of the Fascist ideology varies according to the particular orientation of the actual ruler. Fascism has been identified in national socialism, in social nationalism, in pure nationalism, or even in non-national corporativism in | + | The official ideology of the PNF is "Fascism", which in turn is made up by several tenets and components. It is to note that the official content of the Fascist ideology varies according to the particular orientation of the actual ruler. Fascism has been identified in national socialism, in social nationalism, in pure nationalism, or even in non-national corporativism in different momemnts.<br> |
However, even in the most heterodox interpretations, some core tenets have always been included. | However, even in the most heterodox interpretations, some core tenets have always been included. | ||
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== The Bella Figura and Fascism == | == The Bella Figura and Fascism == | ||
− | A crucial knot of the Italian weltanschauung is the "''Bella Figura''", which can be very roughly translated as "Pretty Figure" or "Beatiful Figure". In Italy, the philosophy of ''Bella Figura'' rules the land, especially in the South. Bella Figura roughly means "beautiful figure" but is actually a way of life emphasizing beauty, good image, aesthetics and, mainly, proper behaviour. | + | A crucial knot of the Italian weltanschauung is the "''Bella Figura''", which can be very roughly translated as "Pretty Figure" or "Beatiful Figure". In Italy, the philosophy of ''Bella Figura'' rules the land, especially in the South. Bella Figura roughly means "beautiful figure" but is actually a way of life emphasizing beauty, good image, aesthetics and, mainly, proper behaviour.<br> |
− | + | ||
Italy is a place of grandeur and elegance. In addition to being well dressed and well groomed, Italians surround themselves with beauty in every facet of their lives: the search for beauty - even in the most utilitarian things - is an aim for its own, and it is considered as a vehicle toward the infinite and the Divine. However, the ''Bella Figura'' is far more than merely dressing well, looking good and admiring fine art. It is an etiquette system, as well as something more than a mundane etiquette. The ''Bella Figura'' also means acting properly, knowing the rules of etiquette, presenting oneself with, and being aware of, the proper nuances Italian society demands. It is how to act and how to behave under particular circumstances.<br> | Italy is a place of grandeur and elegance. In addition to being well dressed and well groomed, Italians surround themselves with beauty in every facet of their lives: the search for beauty - even in the most utilitarian things - is an aim for its own, and it is considered as a vehicle toward the infinite and the Divine. However, the ''Bella Figura'' is far more than merely dressing well, looking good and admiring fine art. It is an etiquette system, as well as something more than a mundane etiquette. The ''Bella Figura'' also means acting properly, knowing the rules of etiquette, presenting oneself with, and being aware of, the proper nuances Italian society demands. It is how to act and how to behave under particular circumstances.<br> | ||
Therefore, the ''Bella Figura'' is also a strong loyalty concept and ideal. Italians have a strong sense of loyalty to their family, friends, neighbours, fellow citizens, compatriots, fellow nationals and even to their business partners. Behaving properly, appropriately and respectfully is crucial to maintaining the right air of ''Bella Figura'' both in family situations as well as in the external world. The ''Bella Figura'' is both a demureness and formality and is thoroughly entrenched in the culture of Italy, especially in the southern portion of the country. It is believed that practicing the Bella Figura enhances beauty and peace in their world. <br> | Therefore, the ''Bella Figura'' is also a strong loyalty concept and ideal. Italians have a strong sense of loyalty to their family, friends, neighbours, fellow citizens, compatriots, fellow nationals and even to their business partners. Behaving properly, appropriately and respectfully is crucial to maintaining the right air of ''Bella Figura'' both in family situations as well as in the external world. The ''Bella Figura'' is both a demureness and formality and is thoroughly entrenched in the culture of Italy, especially in the southern portion of the country. It is believed that practicing the Bella Figura enhances beauty and peace in their world. <br> | ||
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== Membership == | == Membership == | ||
− | The party network is powered by its membership. Members are classified according to the depth of their commitment. A person can join as a sympathiser ("Simpatizzante"), required only to assimilate the ideological lessons at weekly meetings. The more senior supporters ("Aderente") and "advanced supporters" ("Militante") are symbolically willing to take up arms to defend the party. | + | The party network is powered by its membership. Members are classified according to the depth of their commitment. A person can join as a sympathiser ("''Simpatizzante''"), required only to assimilate the ideological lessons at weekly meetings. The more senior supporters ("''Aderente''") and "advanced supporters" ("''Militante''") are symbolically willing to take up arms to defend the party. The system requires passing successfully a series of tests, so full members are the quite hardened and committed supporters. As they make their way up through the ranks, activists gain privileges and authority. Membership of the PNF is a prerequisite, formal and informal, for many jobs, especially in the public sector: in particular, all military personnel, as well as all Public Security civilian officials and Prefects have to be at least senior supporters ("''Aderenti''"). On the other hand, leaving the PNF and joining a different, illegal political party is punished with up to five years in prison.<br> |
− | As they make their way up through the ranks, activists gain privileges and authority.<br> | + | Party membership also confers other tiny powers: intimidating your neighbours, teachers, colleagues, and even your superiors if they happen to rank lower in the parallel party hierarchy (although this circumstance is not present within the public administration). As happens everywhere in the world, vulnerable, complex people often join the party for the self-assurance membership brings.<br> |
− | Party membership also confers other tiny powers: intimidating your neighbours, teachers, colleagues, and even your superiors if they happen to rank lower in the parallel party hierarchy (although this circumstance is not present within the public administration). As happens everywhere in the world, vulnerable, complex people often join the party for the self-assurance membership brings. | + | Only advanced supporters are eligible for higher levels, such as composing the consultive committees or even become part of the Hierarchy.<br> |
+ | One of the major goals of the Party is constant recruitment. New blood coming in allows the Party to renew itself. Members are expected to be loyal to the Party, and in ensuring this the Party collects a great deal of information on its members. The questionnaire for new members is quite extensive, and requires the applicant to describe his or her personal interests and background, the nature of their introduction to the PNF and its ideology, amongst other questions.<br> | ||
+ | All Party members are subject to particular rules and discipline: for example, members are also chided for being late to important meetings or not bringing their notebooks, and, because the PNF regards itself as a "civil militia", they are expected to remain physically fit, with those failing minimal medical exams facing demotion.<br> | ||
+ | The Party puts a great effort into indoctrinating its members. All Fascists are to attend training courses that last months, while political work carried out in daily life is considered to be a form of self-education. Senior members are sent on courses geared to make them effective party figures, while candidates for Hierarchy appointments are there to absorb the Party’s ethos and procedures as well as receive ideological indoctrination. Members are also instructed in the Party’s ‘official line’ and this instructions includes an extensive study of Benito Mussolini’s speeches and writings and PNF congresses. The Party also acts as a channel of indoctrination of the populace at large. For instance, copies of Fascist, revolutionary-conservative, national-socialist or anyhow pleased books are issued to members via territorial structures on release, and they are the frequently the subject at monthly discussions of cultural topics.<br> | ||
+ | Rewards are doled out to members of the PNF for a variety of reasons, such as uninterrupted membership over twenty-five years, service in the military or one of the MVSN branches, or other demonstrations of loyalty, usually in the form of a medal or badge. The most prestigious and most valuable of these rewards is a card that identifies the holder as a “Personal Friend of Italo Debalti” which entitles the holder to personal meetings with the Duce and other officials, and a priority for themselves, their spouse and their children in entrance to universities and military academies. The card is reserved for very special Party members, as well as for close Duce's comrades. | ||
== Organization == | == Organization == | ||
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== Political Secretary == | == Political Secretary == | ||
− | The Political Secretary of the National Fascist Party is the second highest ranking official within the National Fascist Party, a standing member of the Political Directory and head of the Secretariat. | + | The Political Secretary of the National Fascist Party is the second highest ranking official within the National Fascist Party, a standing member of the Political Directory and head of the Secretariat. The Party Secretariat is among the most important power centres, with policies handed down through a strictly defined hierarchy and information flowing upwards. This results in an extensive bureaucracy that moves at what was frequently a glacial pace, as decisions moved through and up all tiers and offices in the system. However, this did not prevent the developing or the consolidation of rival power centres, such as the Catholic Church or some economic concentrations. |
== Inspectorate of the National Fascist Party == | == Inspectorate of the National Fascist Party == | ||
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== Territorial organization == | == Territorial organization == | ||
− | The National Fascist Party is made up of Fighting Fasces, which are framed in Fasces of Combat Federations in the provinces and the Governments of the Empire. At the head of each Fasces of Combat Federations is a Federal Secretary. | + | The PNF is organised through a structure adhering to social reality in a rigid hierarchy. The National Fascist Party is made up of Fighting Fasces, which are framed in Fasces of Combat Federations in the provinces and the Governments of the Empire. At the head of each Fasces of Combat Federations is a Federal Secretary. |
=== Federal Secretary === | === Federal Secretary === | ||
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==== Fascist Borough Groups ==== | ==== Fascist Borough Groups ==== | ||
Fascist Borough Groups are sections of the municipal ''Fasci di Combattimento'' in centres with large population; it is governed by the Trustee (It: ''Fiduciario''), dependent on the municipal Political Secretary of the Fascio of Combat. The Borough Group is usually the lowest element of the Party, and it is the hearth of the political life of the Party member; all political equipment, local political library and meeting rooms are housed in the Group headquarters, which usually consist of flat-houses or rooms on the ground floor suitable for a shop. While different Groups within a large Combat Fasces may be present two or even more factions, it is extremely unlikely that in a Group there are multiple factions.<br> | Fascist Borough Groups are sections of the municipal ''Fasci di Combattimento'' in centres with large population; it is governed by the Trustee (It: ''Fiduciario''), dependent on the municipal Political Secretary of the Fascio of Combat. The Borough Group is usually the lowest element of the Party, and it is the hearth of the political life of the Party member; all political equipment, local political library and meeting rooms are housed in the Group headquarters, which usually consist of flat-houses or rooms on the ground floor suitable for a shop. While different Groups within a large Combat Fasces may be present two or even more factions, it is extremely unlikely that in a Group there are multiple factions.<br> | ||
− | The Trustee of the Fascist Borough | + | The Trustee of the Fascist Borough Group, more informally referred to as "Chief", is the is assisted by a Consultative Committees of five members, which is appointed by him. The Trustee is tasked to implement the directives and carries out the orders of the Political Secretary of the Fascio of Combat. The Political Secretary of the Fascio of Combat designates a Deputy Trustee and an Administrative Consultant, chosen from among the members of the Group Consultative Committee. The Consultative Committee is made up of the Deputy Trustee, the Administrative Consultant and three other members: it has advisory and executive functions. If the borough is still too big to allow the Group to manage its political life, the Group is divided into local Fascist Sectors, the Sectors in Squads.<br> |
− | Sectors and Squads hold weekly meetings with a dozen or so activists and mebers from the same neighbourhood. They talk about current events, or the Party version of them, in line with the inclinations of the regime. Basic instructions are issued; any irregularities observed during the week are discussed with the leaders and written up in obligatory reports. Also | + | Sectors and Squads hold weekly meetings with a dozen or so activists and mebers from the same neighbourhood. They talk about current events, or the Party version of them, in line with the inclinations of the regime. Basic instructions are issued; any irregularities observed during the week are discussed with the leaders and written up in obligatory reports. Each Squad is overseen by a ''[[National Fascist Party (Italian Social Republic)#Membership|Militante]]'' and consists of five to ten members.<br> |
+ | Also the Group acts in the same manner, if it is not further subdivided. | ||
== Albanian Fascist Party == | == Albanian Fascist Party == |
Revision as of 15:47, 19 May 2014
The National Fascist Party (Partito Nazionale Fascista, PNF) is the founding and ruling political party of the Italian Social Republic. The PNF is the only permitted party in Italy, maintaining a unitary government and centralizing the state, military, and media. The legal power of the PNF is guaranteed by the national constitution. The party leader is the Duce of the Republic, who holds also the title of Duce of the Fascism. The current Secretary is Marco Tarchi.
The party was founded in March 1919 in Milano. After a brief squadrist phase, the PNF seized the power. The party has fluctuated between periods of reformism and political conservatism throughout its history. Both before and after the founding of the Italian Social Republic, the PNF's history is defined by various power struggles and ideological battles. The vast majority of military and civil officials are members of the Party.
The National Fascist Party is a voluntary militia under the command of the Duce, in the service of the Fascist State. The Duce is the Head of P.N.F. Gives orders for the action to be performed. The tasks of P.N.F. are: the preservation and enhancement of the Fascist Revolution, the political education of the Italians. The Fascist comprises life as duty, elevation, conquest and must always keep in mind the commandment of the Duce: "Believing Obeying Fighting".
The P.N.F. is made up of Fasci di Combattimento: the Fasces are grouped into provincial Fighting Fasces Federations. Within the Fasci di Combattimento level, Fascist Borough Groups, Sectors and Sections can be constituted.
In their daily activities PNF activists at the neighbourhood or workplace level often choose to ignore obstinate characters, who are not important or numerous enough to be reproved. The most provocative and rebellious cases do face retribution. Keeping the Party’s approval is a prerequisite for navigating administrative channels, and the party ultimately has the power to excommunicate people, leaving them ineligible for bank accounts or homes.
As for other single-parties, the PNF is based on guidance: the leader leads the party, the party leads its members, its members lead society.
Contents
Ideology
The official ideology of the PNF is "Fascism", which in turn is made up by several tenets and components. It is to note that the official content of the Fascist ideology varies according to the particular orientation of the actual ruler. Fascism has been identified in national socialism, in social nationalism, in pure nationalism, or even in non-national corporativism in different momemnts.
However, even in the most heterodox interpretations, some core tenets have always been included.
Nationalism
Nationalism is the main foundation of Fascism. The Fascist view of a nation is of a single organic entity which binds people together by their ancestry and is a natural unifying force of people: therefore, Fascism has the duty to solve economic, political, and social problems by achieving a national rebirth and promoting cults of unity, strength and purity. The central notion of "Nation", however, could vary greatly, from a "blood-and-soil" vision to a vision marked by the concept of "political-and-spiritual community".
Totalitarianism
Fascism promotes the establishment of a "total State". The Fascist conception of the State is all-embracing; outside of it no human or spiritual values can exist, much less have value. Fascism is "total", and the Fascist State is a synthesis and a unit inclusive of all values. The Fascist State, therefore, interprets, develops, and potentiates the whole life of a people. Being an attempt to achieve the spiritual unity, the Fascist State has the right/duty to pursue policies of social indoctrination through propaganda in education and the media and regulation of the production of educational and media materials, because education is designed in order to glorify the fascist movement and inform students of its historical and political importance to the nation.
Most "ethnic-centred" interpretations, however, see the State as a stronghold which guarantees a political unity for the nation's sake. The "socialist nationalism" justifies the necessity of achieve a complete media control with the necessity to avoid a dangerous pluralism.
Third Position
Fascism promotes such economics as a "third position" alternative to capitalism and Marxism. Such an economic system, is variously shaped as "national corporatism", "national socialism" or "national syndicalism": Fascism is against both capitalist slavery and Marxist chaos: the Tird Position is closely linked to Nationalism, in so far as Fascism advocates resolution to domestic class struggle to secure national solidarity.
The so-called "Red Fascism" (or "Left-winged Fascism") favours proletarian culture and claims that proletarians as producers must have a dominant role in the nation. While fascism opposes domestic class struggle, fascism believes that bourgeois-proletarian conflict primarily exists in national conflict between proletarian nations versus bourgeois nations.
Fascism denounces capitalism not because of its competitive nature nor its support of private property; but due to its materialism, individualism, alleged bourgeois decadence, and alleged indifference to the nation. On the other hand, Fascism denounces Marxism for its advocacy of materialist and internationalist identity that is an attack upon the spiritual bonds of nationality and thwarting the achievement of genuine national solidarity. The social achievement pursued by Fascism is the creation of a nation composed of strong-and-free soldier-worker nationals, who partecipate to both political and economic national life.
Spiritualism
Fascism is not an economic movement, being (or claiming to be) a political movement directed toward the Spirit: its main intent and purpose is to elevate the Community members' and community's spirits. Therefore Fascism deplores bourgeois culture for having an unfit sedentary lifestyle and for its individualism that fascism views as inconsistent with virile nationhood, personified by warrior and, above all, assault spirit. This attention to warrior spirit is justified with the necessity of hardihood in order to elevate the Spirit. As noted before, the PNF is a spiritualist organization, and promotes Italian spiritual values. The PNF does not prohibit nor mandates party members from belonging to a religion.
Consequently with nation-centrism, cultural nationalization of society emancipates the nation's proletariat, even more than the nation as a whole, and promotes the assimilation of all classes into a sort of warrior-and-labour nationalistic culture.
All Fascist corrents and interpretations criticise egalitarianism as preserving the weak, while they instead promote social and national empowerments.
Fascism emphasizes direct action, as a core element, in so far as Fascism views violent action not only as a necessity in politics (that fascism identifies as being an "endless struggle" which is to be destroyed), but also because the action is the medium through which the Spirit could elevate itself.
Fascism emphasizes youth both in a physical sense of age and in a spiritual sense as related to virility and commitment to action. Fascism identifies the physical age period of youth as a critical time for the moral development of people that will affect society.
The Bella Figura and Fascism
A crucial knot of the Italian weltanschauung is the "Bella Figura", which can be very roughly translated as "Pretty Figure" or "Beatiful Figure". In Italy, the philosophy of Bella Figura rules the land, especially in the South. Bella Figura roughly means "beautiful figure" but is actually a way of life emphasizing beauty, good image, aesthetics and, mainly, proper behaviour.
Italy is a place of grandeur and elegance. In addition to being well dressed and well groomed, Italians surround themselves with beauty in every facet of their lives: the search for beauty - even in the most utilitarian things - is an aim for its own, and it is considered as a vehicle toward the infinite and the Divine. However, the Bella Figura is far more than merely dressing well, looking good and admiring fine art. It is an etiquette system, as well as something more than a mundane etiquette. The Bella Figura also means acting properly, knowing the rules of etiquette, presenting oneself with, and being aware of, the proper nuances Italian society demands. It is how to act and how to behave under particular circumstances.
Therefore, the Bella Figura is also a strong loyalty concept and ideal. Italians have a strong sense of loyalty to their family, friends, neighbours, fellow citizens, compatriots, fellow nationals and even to their business partners. Behaving properly, appropriately and respectfully is crucial to maintaining the right air of Bella Figura both in family situations as well as in the external world. The Bella Figura is both a demureness and formality and is thoroughly entrenched in the culture of Italy, especially in the southern portion of the country. It is believed that practicing the Bella Figura enhances beauty and peace in their world.
If someone acts according to the Bella Figura demands, he (or she) acts according a tight honour system. By treacherous behiavour, someone performs a "Cattiva Figura", the opposite concept, and it is more than shame: it is shame and the demonstration of immaturity of a person. According to the honourable requirements of the Bella Figura, Italians tend to estimate the "Bel Gesto" or "Beatiful Action"; if someone is in a desperate situation, or may achieve a result throught a less than honourable act, the Bel Gesto is a selfless but honoured action.
The Fascism has very close similarities with the Bella Figura, rising from the same social context: on one hand, the loyalty according the Bella Figura rises from the legionary spirit; on the other hand, the tension toward beauty is, according both Bella Figura and Fascism, a tension toward Spirit and Divine.