Giulio Andreotti

Andreotti, Giulio (jēōˈlēō änˌdrāätē) [key], 1919–, Italian political leader. A member of the Christian Democratic party, Andreotti held a variety of ministerial posts throughout the 1950s and 60s and first served as premier in 1972–73. He subsequently held the premiership again (1976–79), was minister for foreign affairs (1983–89), and returned for a third period as premier (1989–91). In 1993, he was investigated for corruption and accused of protecting the Mafia. Indicted in 1995, he also went to trial in 1996 for ordering the murder of a journalist said to have incriminating information. In 1999, he was acquitted of both sets of charges, a decision that ultimately was upheld on appeal.