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 (Italian: presidente del Senato della Repubblica) is the main leader of the Italian Senate. Think of them as the "speaker" or "chairperson" of this important part of Italy's government. This role is the second most important job in Italy, right after the President of the Republic.

Since October 13, 2022, Ignazio La Russa has held this position.

What the President of the Senate Does
- When the President of the Senate Acts 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 has several key jobs. They represent the Senate to other groups and countries. They also make sure that debates and discussions in the Senate follow the rules. These rules come from the Senate's own guidelines and the Italian Constitution. The President also helps all the different parts of the Senate work together smoothly.

The President of the Senate also has a special role with the President of the Republic. Along with the President of the Chamber of Deputies, they must be asked for advice. This happens before the President of the Republic can end the Italian Parliament early (this is in Article 88 of the Constitution).

When the President of the Senate Acts as President of Italy

The special flag used when the President of the Senate acts as President of Italy.

Sometimes, the President of Italy might not be able to do their job. This could be because they are sick or away. If this happens, the President of the Senate steps in to act as the head of state. This rule is found in Article 86 of the Italian Constitution.

When the President of the Senate takes on this temporary role, some special things happen. The Corazzieri, who are the honor guard for the President of Italy, move to the President of the Senate's home, Palazzo Giustiniani. Also, a special flag with the symbol of the Italian Republic is placed in the President's office.

While the President of the Senate is acting as President of Italy, another person takes over their usual job. This is usually one of the Vice Presidents of the Senate.

How the President of the Senate is Chosen

The members of the Senate choose their President through an election. The rules for this election are set by the Senate itself.

Here's how the election usually works:

In the first two rounds of voting, a candidate needs more than half of all the Senate members' votes to win.
If no one wins after two rounds, the rules change. In the next round, a candidate only needs more than half of the votes from those who actually vote (not counting those who don't vote).
If there's still no winner, there's a final vote. This is a "run-off" vote between the two candidates who got the most votes in the previous round. The person with the most votes in this final round wins.
If there's a tie in the run-off vote, the older candidate becomes President.

The election for the President of the Senate happens very soon after a new Senate is elected. It must take place within 20 days of the election. Until the new President is chosen, the oldest Senator temporarily leads the Senate.