Michelini emerged as a leading figure in the
neo-fascism strain of Italian politics that emerged immediately after the war and was a prominent figure in the foundation of the MSI. Michelini's policies helped to push some of the more radical elements out of the party and into such fringe groups as
Avanguardia Nazionale and
Ordine Nuovo. In general he disliked the unconstitutional methods of such minor groups and was the dominant figure in the "realist" tendency within the party, supporting co-operation with
NATO and moves to build a pan-right alliance with the
Christian Democrats and
Monarchists. Michelini however was a skilled negotiator and adept at the internal politics of the MSI and at the 8th party congress in June 1965 when the pro-fascist wing formed a majority for the first time under his leadership he was able to remain in position by virtue of concluding a private deal with their leader Almirante. In this respect he was able to retain the leadership of the MSI until his death in 1969, at which point Almirante took over. ==Electoral history==