The politics of Italy is conducted through a parliamentary, democratic republic with a multi-party system. Italy has been a democratic republic since June 2, 1946, when the monarchy was abolished by popular referendum (see Italian constitutional referendum, 1946). The constitution was written by the Constituent Assembly of Italy and promulgated on January 1, 1948.
The executive power is exercised collectively by the Council of Ministers, which is led by the Prime Minister, officially referred to as President of the Council ("Presidente del Consiglio"). Legislative power is vested in the two houses of parliament primarily, and secondarily on the Council of Ministers, which can introduce bills and holds the majority in the parliament. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislative branches. It is headed by the High Council of the Judiciary. The President is the head of state, though his position is separate from all branches
The current President of Italy is Giorgio Napolitano and current Prime Minister of Italy is Mario Monti.
Read more about Politics Of Italy: Government, Political Parties and Elections, Administrative Division
Famous quotes containing the words politics and/or italy:
“Politics is not an end, but a means. It is not a product, but a process. It is the art of government. Like other values it has its counterfeits. So much emphasis has been placed upon the false that the significance of the true has been obscured and politics has come to convey the meaning of crafty and cunning selfishness, instead of candid and sincere service.”
—Calvin Coolidge (18721933)
“Everything in Italy that is particularly elegant and grand ... borders upon insanity and absurdityor at least is reminiscent of childhood.”
—Alexander Herzen (18121870)