On 27th October 1962, Italy lost one of its most influential post-war figures, Enrico Mattei, in a mysterious plane crash near the village of Bascapè in Lombardy.
Mattei’s legacy as a transformative leader of Italy’s energy industry and a champion of economic sovereignty remains impactful. His work at Eni, Italy’s national oil company, not only transformed the nation’s industrial landscape but also marked him as a formidable figure in international energy politics.
The Rise of Enrico Mattei
Enrico Mattei was born in 1906 in Acqualagna, a small town in the Marche region. Rising from humble beginnings, Mattei developed a keen interest in politics and industry, joining the Italian resistance against fascism during World War II. After the war, he was appointed to dismantle Agip, Italy’s state-owned oil company.
Instead, Mattei saw potential in Italy’s energy sector, persuading authorities to expand Agip rather than dissolve it. This decision set the stage for the birth of Eni (Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi) in 1953, with Mattei at the helm.
Building Eni: The Drive for Energy Independence
Mattei’s vision for Eni was revolutionary. He wanted Italy to achieve energy independence, breaking free from the influence of the “Seven Sisters”—the major oil companies dominating the global market at the time. Under his leadership, Eni aggressively pursued oil and gas exploration within Italy and abroad. Mattei secured contracts in the Middle East and North Africa, often on terms far more favourable to the host countries than what Western oil giants were offering. This strategy made him popular with emerging economies but earned him the ire of established oil powers.
Mattei’s business tactics extended beyond economics; he wanted Eni to be a symbol of a new, assertive Italy. His bold “Mattei Formula” guaranteed oil-producing countries 75% of the profits, significantly more than the 50-50 split typical of Western agreements. This approach reshaped Italy’s foreign policy, aligning it with developing nations and positioning Italy as an ally in the anti-colonial movement. Mattei’s efforts helped lay the foundation for modern Italian industry, contributing to the country’s post-war economic boom.
A Controversial Figure in International Politics
Mattei’s influence extended beyond Italy. He openly criticised the dominance of American and British oil interests and advocated for an alternative to the economic model that marginalised developing nations. This defiant stance made him a target; he was seen as a threat to the interests of powerful corporations and governments.
His dealings in the Middle East and Africa upset traditional alliances, drawing both admiration and suspicion. Mattei had many enemies, and his strong ties with socialist countries led to speculation that he was at risk from those who saw his policies as a challenge to the status quo.
The Mysterious Plane Crash of 1962
On 27 October 1962, Mattei’s life and career came to an abrupt end. His private plane, a Morane-Saulnier, was returning from Catania to Milan when it crashed near Bascapè, a small village in Lombardy. The accident was initially ruled as an unfortunate crash, but over time, theories of foul play surfaced. Witnesses reported a mid-air explosion, and later investigations suggested the possibility of sabotage.
In 1997, the case was reopened, and forensic evidence indicated that an explosive device could have been planted on the plane. Although the truth behind Mattei’s death remains uncertain, many believe that his defiance of the oil establishment and his audacious policies made him a target for assassination. To this day, some view his death as a symbol of the dangers he faced for his vision of economic independence.
Mattei’s Legacy in Italy’s Economic Landscape
Enrico Mattei’s impact on Italy was profound. His vision for Eni not only transformed it into a global powerhouse but also set a precedent for Italian industrial strength. Eni remains one of Italy’s largest companies, symbolising Mattei’s dedication to economic autonomy and industrial innovation. His “Mattei Formula” became a model for fairer energy partnerships, inspiring other nations to assert their rights against major oil corporations.
Mattei’s commitment to Italy’s development helped drive the country’s post-war recovery, making it a significant player on the world stage. His legacy endures, seen in Italy’s modern industrial landscape and in the ongoing influence of Eni. The mystery surrounding his death only adds to his larger-than-life persona, as a leader who fearlessly pursued his vision for Italy’s future.
