After obtaining a diploma from the "Pitagora" high school in Crotone,[3] he graduated in law practicing the profession of lawyer, following in the footsteps of his father Giuseppe.

In 1946, supported by the Italian Socialist Party, he became mayor of the country at the young age of 24.

He was confirmed in this office for fourteen terms, until 1990, thus becoming one of the most enduring mayors of Italy.

In 1970 he became Minister of Public Works, in the Rumor and Colombo governments, and remained in office until 1974.

In 1992 he returned to the Chamber and in March 1994, after the Mani Pulite investigation and the crumbling of the PSI, he retired to private life.