chief of state: President Giorgio NAPOLITANO (since 15 May 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Silvio BERLUSCONI (since 8 May 2008); note - in Italy the prime minister is referred to as the president of the Council of Ministers

cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister and nominated by the president

) (For more information visit the World Leaders website

elections: president elected by an electoral college consisting of both houses of parliament and 58 regional representatives for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 10 May 2006 (next to be held in May 2013); prime minister appointed by the president and confirmed by parliament