Regions of Italy

Provisions for at least some degree of regional autonomy were made in the 1948 constitution, which states the constitutions role is; recoginize, protect and promote local autonomy, that State level services have the greatest decentralization, and adapt the principles and laws establishing autonomy and decentralization.

However, five regions (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Trentino-South Tyrol, and Aosta Valley) have been granted a special autonomy statute based on cultural grounds and on the presence of important minorities. Each region has an elected council and a Giunta Regionale (executive committee) headed by a president. The Giunta is responsible to the council and is required to resign if it fails to retain the council's confidence. Government is thus analogous to the national government in structure.

The other 15 regions were established by various laws in 1970 and they primarily serve to decentralize the state government machinery, and recent governments have devolved further powers to the regions. Many of the northern regions are seeking greater powers and autonomy. The regions are headed by a Commissioner who serves to co-ordinate the affairs and activities of the central governments apparatus.

Provincial and communal governments follow similar principles: councils and giunte headed by provincial presidents or communal mayors.

Regional autonomy has been made an issue in Italian politics in recent years, no doubt aided by the emergence of parties such as the Lega Nord.