1970 Italian coup d'état

A coup d'état was executed in Italy on December 7, 1970 and lasted until December 8. Also known as the rangers coup or golpe borghese, it saw the kidnapping of President Giuseppe Saragat and the removal of Aldo Moro and Emilio Colombo after a decade of increased political terrorism, fading economic growth, rising communist infiltrations and increased tensions with far-left forces.

The coup was organized by Junio Valerio Borghese, a former naval officer of the Italian Social Republic, and a close associate to Benito Mussolini. Borghese during the post-war period participated in several far-right political circles until his entrance in the Italian Social Movement a legal political party created by former fascist elements, such as Giorgio Almirante, which became more moderate in the later phases of the authoritarian regime. The order of events began on December 7, when Junio Valerio Borghese entered the capital and established his headquarter in the working class district of Garbatella, where militants of far-right movements prepared for the storm in several government buildings. Borghese also had the support on 5.000 armed soldiers and 15.000 park rangers, which were also armed with heavy weapons and were still affiliated with the Armed Forces.

Background
After initial events, a group of military personnel trained for special operations used an unmarked van retreived at the San Patrignano Military Base and headed for the Quirinale Palace on 10:47 PM. Their mission was to kidnap President Giuseppe Saragat, and to bring him to the conspiracy headquarters, then he would be brought in a safer location when the coup concluded. At 11:21 PM, the small squad successfully brought Saragat in custody, and reported for duty at 11:58 PM. The police was not alerted as communications in the palace were cut off, and the presidential guard was under a review inspection in nearest barracks by superior commanders.

At 12:00 AM, the main plan was set in motion; several military squads with also park rangers entered in the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Finance, Media and Defense. The respective ministers were all detained and conducted in nearest bases, while a group of officers entered in Chigi Palace, and detained Prime Minister Colombo and brought him to the nearest base. Military activity was reported in all major Italian cities, including Milan, Turn, Rome, Naples and Palermo. The State TV offices were seized and Borghese formally stepped in Chigi Palace at 2:34 AM, where he had a meeting with a mysterious figure which indicated him how to proceed with operations. Later, at approximately 2:57 AM, he reached the Prime Minister office where a TV troupe broadcasted live his speech which indicated the temporary suspension of institutions and the formation of a seven-men council known as the "State Order Council".

Aftermath
There was no significant opposition to the coup, as the Armed Forces remained neutral as the high command knew that the Central Intelligence Agency was involved and did not want negative consequences. Borghese, instead, was sworn in as Prime Minister of Italy on December 10, and remained in office until 14 April 1972, when he was removed in a palace coup by the seven-men council and was replaced by Giorgio Almirante.