12. An ongoing separatist movement that has endured for centuries ever since the island was transferred from Spain to the House of Savoy, Sardinian nationalism remains to this day a major political force on the Mediterranean landmass
An unwanted part of the settlement between Spain and the House of Savoy following the War of the Spanish Succession, transferred in 1720, the Kingdom of Sardinia was initially permitted to continue operating with a reasonable degree of autonomy due to widespread indifference towards the island. However, following the “Perfect Fusion” in 1847 – designed to abolish administrative differences between the mainland and island constituent parts of Savoy possessions – Sardinia lost its unique autonomy and liberty. Relegated to an insignificant territory with limited power, following the Unification of Italy it became even less cared for.
Never having a say in becoming part of the new country, already being a member of the Piedmontese Kingdom under the House of Savoy, calls for separatism and self-determination emerged into prominence in the twentieth century. Coinciding with the independence of Ireland, in 1921 the Sardinian Action Party achieved thirty-six percent of the popular vote in elections. However, before action could be taken, Mussolini aggressively banned the political movement in 1926. Although suffering under Fascism, the concept has never truly diminished, with a consistent twenty to thirty percent of voters supporting nationalist parties in elections to this day.