Italy's state was larger than Mussolini's party

Italy's representatives included Carlo Schanzer, Vittorio Rolandi Ricci, and Luigi Albertini, whose later relations with fascism differed. Albertini initially welcomed Mussolini as a counterweight to communism before repeatedly opposing fascist policies in parliament. The discussion also traces a delegate's earlier finance and foreign-affairs offices and his later successful appeal against penalties imposed for service under the regime. That example separates holding office in the Italian state from endorsing every element of fascist policy. Victor Emmanuel III remained king, so Mussolini was head of government rather than head of state. The institutional comparison with Nazi Germany concerns the continuing presence of the monarchy and an older political and administrative establishment beneath fascist rule.