What did Mussolini declare in his January 3, 1925, speech to the Chamber of Deputies?

In his speech to the Chamber of Deputies on January 3, 1925, Benito Mussolini took full "political, moral, and historical responsibility" for the Fascist regime and the murder of Giacomo Matteotti.12

By making this declaration, Mussolini effectively abandoned any pretense of working within a constitutional framework. He dared his critics to prosecute him—a challenge they were too weak to accept—and signaled the beginning of a severe crackdown on dissenters. This pivotal moment marked the transition of his government into a totalitarian state, leading to the suppression of the opposition press, the dissolution of political parties and unions, and the establishment of a secret police force to maintain control.12