1946 Italian presidential election 1946 Italian presidential election Next Election: 1948 Election of the Provisional Head of the Italian State (June 28, 1946) After the departure of King Umberto II of Italy (June 13, 1946), the functions of head of state had provisionally exercised by the Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi, to which were entrusted to the beginning of July when, following his election as Provisional Head of State, Enrico De Nicola was sworn in before the Constituent Assembly. They should not be considered the presidential elections, as this institution does not yet exist. However, the same De Nicola assumes this title according to
1946 Italian institutional referendum have any further role. Accordingly, in April 1944, he turned over most of his powers to Crown Prince Umberto. When Rome was liberated on 4 June, Victor Emmanuel relinquished his remaining powers to Umberto and named him Lieutenant General of the Realm, making him the de facto regent. However, Victor Emmanuel retained the title of king until his abdication in May 1946. Umberto then formally ascended the throne as Umberto II. It has been said that the abdication had been imposed by opponents, but the royal house, too, had an interest in the manoeuvre. It was convenient for the House