How much power would Ciano have if he replaced Mussolini while Italy's monarchy and Senate remained?
Short answerHe would still face the king and existing institutions, so success would depend partly on working with constraints Mussolini had challenged.
NotesItaly's king remained head of state while Mussolini governed, with other institutions still operating around the Fascist leadership. The Senate of the Kingdom of Italy is distinguished here from the Fascist Grand Council. Mussolini's attempt to share the king's military rank is recalled as a source of serious tension with the army. Ciano is judged potentially more willing to work within those constraints, although that political success remains part of the counterfactual.