Luigi Einaudi, 1874-1961

Abstract

Luigi Einaudi was born in 1874 and died in 1961. His intense activity as a master of the science of finance, opinion leader and polemicist on practical and political aspects of economy spanned various phases in the history of contemporary Italy, from crisis at the close of the 19th century to the age of Giolitti, the fascist period and the new democracy emerging with the end of fascism. Democratic Italy of the post-war years saw him in the roles of Governor of the Bank of Italy and Minister of economy. A living symbol of Italy's economic and monetary reconstruction, he was elected President of the Italian Republic for the term of 1948-55. The author reviews Einaudi's relations with the political world over the various phases of the economist's life. Actually, Einaudi never became a politician in the strict sense of the word, but remained a citizen ever present in public life as a polemical columnist and, when called upon, in the service of the State. Whether engaging in controversy or practical activity, he remained consistent in his defence of economic liberalism and monetary rigour.

JEL Codes: B31

Keywords: Einaudi, Luigi