Politics of Italy

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== Politics of Italy ==

The politics of Italy operates under a parliamentary representative democratic republic. The President of the Republic serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The political system is characterized by a multi-party system, with numerous political parties representing a wide range of ideologies.

Government Structure[edit | edit source]

Italy's government is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.

Executive Branch[edit | edit source]

The executive branch is headed by the President of the Republic, who is elected by an electoral college for a seven-year term. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who must have the confidence of the Parliament to govern. The Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, which is responsible for the administration of government policies.

Legislative Branch[edit | edit source]

The legislative power is vested in the Parliament of Italy, which is a bicameral body consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic. Members of both houses are elected by the public, with the Chamber of Deputies having 630 members and the Senate having 315 elected members, plus a few life senators.

Judicial Branch[edit | edit source]

The judicial system in Italy is independent of the executive and legislative branches. The highest court is the Constitutional Court of Italy, which has the authority to review the constitutionality of laws. Other important courts include the Supreme Court of Cassation and the Council of State.

Political Parties[edit | edit source]

Italy has a multi-party system, with numerous political parties that often form coalitions to govern. Major political parties include:

Electoral System[edit | edit source]

Elections in Italy are held at multiple levels, including national, regional, and local. The electoral system for the Parliament of Italy is a mixed system, combining proportional representation with a majority bonus system to ensure stable governance.

Recent Political Developments[edit | edit source]

In recent years, Italian politics has been marked by significant changes and challenges, including economic issues, immigration, and the rise of populist movements. The Five Star Movement and Lega Nord have gained prominence, reflecting a shift in the political landscape.