Aventine secession

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The Aventine Secession is the common reference to an Italian movement reuniting parties in opposition to Fascism and Benito Mussolini's regime.

After the Acerbo Law was passed in 1924, the largest party, providing it had at least 25% of the vote, gained 2/3 of the parliamentary seats. Following the elections in April 1924, Mussolini secured this 66.3% plurality of seats.

Outspoken socialist Giacomo Matteotti was then murdered after accusing the fascist party of winning the elections through political corruption and voter intimidation, a fact which was to be proven true. Matteotti's murder led to an uproar, and most of the opposition parties in the Parliament walked out - giving the event its Secession (withdrawal) title.

However, the Aventine Secession only helped Mussolini to consolidate his position, as it effectively removed all criticism within a Parliament that became consecrated as Fascist in all but name. Mussolini was able to outlaw all forms of political expression other than fascist by 1926, and began establishing a dictatorship.