He headed seven postwar governments: 1972-73, 1976-79 (four successive terms), and 1989-92 (two terms). In addition he was defence minister eight times, and foreign minister five times. In 1993 Andreotti was among several high=ranking politicians accused of possible involvement in Italy's corruption network; he went on trial Sept 1995 charged with using his influence to protect Mafia leaders in exchange for political support. In Nov 1995 Andreotti and four others were charged with the 1979 murder of journalist Carmine Pecorelli, who was alleged to have been blackmailing Andreotti, and in Feb 1996, with other prominent former ministers, he was arraigned on further corruption charges.
