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Regions of Italy
Provisions for at least some degree of regional autonomy were made in the 1948
constitution. However, five regions (Friuli-Venezia
Giulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Trentino-South Tyrol, and Aosta Valley) have been granted greater autonomy on cultural grounds. 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.
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.
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