Final answer:
In the Republic of Salo, Benito Mussolini served as a figurehead, but the real power was likely held by the Nazi German occupiers toward the end of WWII. Mussolini's influence was limited before his execution by Italian partisans in 1945.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Republic of Salo, officially known as the Italian Social Republic, was nominally led by Benito Mussolini as its figurehead. However, real power was likely limited given Mussolini's diminishing influence towards the end of World War II. The Republic of Salo was a puppet state of Nazi Germany, and Mussolini's role was largely ceremonial after he was rescued by German forces following his initial deposition by the Italian king. He was ultimately captured and executed by Italian communist partisans in April 1945, which marked the end of the Republic of Salo and Mussolini's rule.
Comparing the power structure of the Republic of Salo with historical examples, such as the Third Republic in France, the late Silla dynasty in Korea, or the governance system under Somali warlords, it is apparent that the person ostensibly 'in charge' often served more as a figurehead while real control lay elsewhere, typically with those who wielded military or political power behind the scenes.