Sonnino's uncompromising severity towards others proved to be an obstacle to form his own government for a long time. Nevertheless, Sonnino served twice briefly as Prime Minister. On 8 February 1906 Sonnino formed his first government, which lasted only three months; on 18 May 1906, after a mere 100 days, he was forced to resign. He proposed major changes to transform Southern Italy, which provoked opposition from the ruling groups. Land taxes were to be reduced by one-third, except for the really big landowners. He also proposed the establishment of provincial banks and to subsidize schools. His reforms provoked opposition from the ruling groups. He was succeeded by Giovanni Giolitti.