President of the Senate of the Republic (Italy) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids President of the Senate of the Republic
Incumbent Ignazio La Russa since 13 October 2022
Style	The Honourable (Italian: L'Onorevole) President
Residence	Palazzo Giustiniani
Appointer	Senate of the Republic
Term length	Length of the legislature
Inaugural holder	Ruggero Settimo
Formation	17 March 1861

The President of the Senate of the Republic is a very important leader in the Italian Senate. The Senate is one of Italy's two main groups that make laws. This person is the second most important official in Italy, right after the President of Italy.

Since October 13, 2022, Ignazio La Russa has been the President of the Senate.

What the President of the Senate Does
- Taking Over as President of Italy
How the President of the Senate is Chosen
Former Presidents of the Senate
See also

What the President of the Senate Does

The President of the Senate speaks for the Senate to other groups and people. They make sure that all discussions and debates in the Senate follow the rules. They also help all parts of the Senate work smoothly and correctly.

The President of the Senate, along with the President of the Chamber of Deputies, must be asked for advice. This happens before the President of Italy can end the Italian Parliament early. This important rule is found in Article 88 of the Italian Constitution.

Taking Over as President of Italy

Standard of the Acting President.

If the President of Italy cannot do their job, the President of the Senate steps in. They become the temporary head of state for Italy. This rule is in Article 86 of the Italian Constitution.

When this happens, the special guards of the President of Italy, called the Corazzieri, move to the President of the Senate's home. This home is called Palazzo Giustiniani. Also, a special flag with Italy's symbol is placed in the President's office.

While the President of the Senate is acting as President of Italy, one of the Vice Presidents takes over leading the Senate.

How the President of the Senate is Chosen

The members of the Senate choose their President. This election follows special rules set by the Senate. To win, a candidate usually needs more than half of the votes from all Senate members. This is called a simple majority.

If no one wins after two rounds of voting, the rules change. Then, the President can be chosen by a simple majority of only those who vote. This means votes that are not abstentions. If there is still no winner, they have a final vote. This is a run-off vote between the two candidates who got the most votes before. The person with the most votes in this final round wins. If there is a tie, the older candidate becomes President.

The election for the President of the Senate happens at the first meeting of the Senate. This meeting must take place within twenty days after a new election. Until the new President is chosen, the oldest Senator leads the meetings.