Presidents of the Republic of Italy

THE INSTITUTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ITALY: A MODEL OF STABILITY

The institution of the President of the Republic of Italy, as detailed in Passarelli’s work, serves as a model of political stability in a landscape often marked by frequent government changes and unstable coalitions. The Italian Republic, founded after World War II, was born out of the desire to create a political system that would prevent the authoritarian excesses experienced under fascism. The President of the Republic was envisioned as a stabilizing force, embodying continuity, neutrality, and the protection of democratic principles. Over the decades, the Italian President has evolved from a largely ceremonial figure into one with significant influence, particularly during political crises. This evolution is thoroughly documented in Passarelli’s work, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the role has adapted to the changing needs of Italian society.

For the Western Balkans, the Italian model offers valuable lessons. The institution of the President of the Republic in Italy has become a symbol of unity and a guardian of constitutional order—roles that are of crucial importance in regions where democracy is still undergoing consolidation. The experiences of Italian presidents—from their mediating roles during political crises to their involvement in shaping foreign policy—provide a rich source of insight for the Western Balkans. As these countries continue to define their political identity and overcome their own crises, the Italian model offers a framework for understanding how a head of state can act as a stabilizing force.

THE WESTERN BALKANS: A REGION IN TRANSITION

Like Italy, the Western Balkans have undergone significant political changes in recent decades. From the violent breakup of the former Yugoslavia to ongoing challenges in political reform and European integration, the region has been in a constant state of transition. Each country in the Western Balkans has had to build its political institutions from the ground up, often facing ethnic tensions, economic hardship, and external pressures. In this context, the Italian experience—especially the role of the president in maintaining political stability—offers timely and relevant lessons.

Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina each face unique challenges in their post-Yugoslav transitions. Montenegro and Serbia are still navigating the complex path toward full EU membership, while Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its unique and complex political structure, remains a nation divided along ethnic lines, struggling to establish a cohesive national identity. In each of these countries, the role of the president differs significantly—even involving a tripartite body in Bosnia and Herzegovina—but in all cases, it carries the potential to either unite or further divide the nation.

ADAPTING THE ITALIAN MODEL TO THE WESTERN BALKANS

The decision to publish this book in Montenegro—with broader relevance to the Western Balkans—was driven by the need to foster a deeper understanding of political systems and their leadership across the region. Montenegro, with its unique political landscape, is at a crossroads where lessons from Italy may be particularly instructive. However, adapting the Italian model to the Western Balkans is no simple task. While the Italian presidency functions within a clearly defined role in a stable democratic framework, the Western Balkans present a more fluid and often unstable political environment. The region’s history of ethnic conflict, along with ongoing disputes over national identity and statehood, means that the presidency often carries a different weight and significance than it does in Italy.

For example, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the presidency is a tripartite institution representing the three main ethnic groups—Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. This unique arrangement, while intended to ensure equal representation, often leads to gridlock and inefficiency, as all three members must agree on major decisions. This contrasts sharply with the Italian President, who, while also a unifying figure, operates within a far more centralized political system.

In Montenegro, the role of the president has evolved since 1992 and especially since the country’s independence in 2006. In the first multi-party elections in 1990, the head of state was a collective body of five members, reflecting the structure of the then Socialist Republic of Montenegro, part of a dissolving Yugoslavia. The 1992 Constitution abolished the collective model, and since then, the president has been elected directly by citizens—a model that continued after the restoration of independence in 2006.

The Montenegrin president has the potential to act as a unifying figure, but the office is also deeply influenced by ongoing political divisions, particularly the division between those who identify nationally as Montenegrins and those who identify as Serbs. The Italian model of a neutral, stabilizing presidency could offer a blueprint for how Montenegro’s presidency might evolve to better fulfill its role in a divided society.

THE TRANSLATION AND ADAPTATION PROCESS

The process of translating and adapting Presidents of the Republic of Italy for the markets of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia was not without its challenges. While Italy and these countries share some historical and cultural ties, their political traditions and experiences differ. However, the fundamental principles of governance, democracy, and the role of the head of state are universal themes that transcend these differences. This edition seeks to highlight those universal themes while offering specific examples and analyses relevant to these countries and the broader Western Balkans.

One of the key challenges in this adaptation was ensuring that the nuances of the Italian political system were accurately conveyed in a context that is often more unstable and less institutionally developed. One of the core contributions of this book is its exploration of the concept of presidentialization, a phenomenon of increasing relevance. As countries in the region struggle with building robust democratic institutions, the role of the president often comes under scrutiny. Passarelli’s analysis of the Italian experience provides a framework for understanding how the presidential function can evolve in response to shifting political dynamics. This is particularly relevant in the Western Balkans, where the balance of power between the president and other political institutions is still being defined.

In the Western Balkans, the process of presidentialization is often linked to the centralization of power and the personalization of politics. In many countries, the president is not merely a ceremonial figure, but a central political actor who can significantly influence both domestic and foreign policy. Often, the president is also the head of the ruling party, and therefore wields power beyond the formal constitutional limits. This concentration of power can be both a strength and a weakness, depending on the political context. In situations where democratic institutions are weak or underdeveloped, a strong president can provide needed stability and direction. However, there is also the risk that such power may be abused, leading to authoritarian tendencies.

Passarelli’s study of the President of the Republic of Italy offers valuable insights into how this role can be exercised in a way that strengthens rather than undermines democratic institutions. The Italian model shows that it is possible to have a strong president who plays an active political role while still respecting the principles of checks and balances. This is a lesson especially relevant to the Western Balkans, where the concentration of power in the hands of a few has often led to political instability and conflict.

INTERCULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND THE ROLE OF THE PRESIDENT

The publication of this book also demonstrates the importance of intercultural understanding in the study of political systems. Although the political contexts of Italy and these four countries differ, there are important lessons to be learned from one another. The Italian experience—particularly the evolution of the presidency—offers a model for how political institutions can be designed and adapted to meet the needs of a changing society. At the same time, these countries—and the broader Western Balkans—with their unique political challenges, offer a rich case study for understanding the complexities of governance in divided societies.

In this sense, the role of the president can be viewed as a microcosm of broader political dynamics. In both Italy and the Western Balkans, the president serves as a symbol of the state—a figure who embodies national continuity and stability. However, the way this role is understood and carried out varies significantly depending on political context. In Italy, the president is seen as a neutral mediator, a guardian of the Constitution who intervenes only when needed to resolve political crises. In the Western Balkans, the president often plays a more active role—not only as a mediator, but as a central political figure who can influence the country’s direction.

The differences in how the presidency functions in these regions underscore the importance of context in understanding political institutions. While the Italian model offers valuable lessons, it must be adapted to suit the specific needs and challenges of each individual country. This requires a deep understanding of the region’s political, social, and cultural dynamics, as well as a willingness to engage with the complexities of governance in divided societies.

THE IMPACT OF THIS EDITION

As this book reaches readers across Montenegro, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, I am confident it will encourage thoughtful reflection on the role of leadership in our societies. The challenges facing Italy and the countries of the former Yugoslavia may differ, but the fundamental quest for stable, democratic governance is a shared journey. In a region where the legacy of conflict and division remains very much alive, lessons from the Italian experience with the institution of the President of the Republic may offer a pathway toward greater political stability and cohesion.

For future political leaders in the Western Balkans, this book serves both as a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration. The caution lies in recognizing that the concentration of power in the hands of one individual can erode democratic institutions if not carefully managed. At the same time, the Italian experience shows that a strong presidency can play a vital role in maintaining political stability and ensuring continuity in democratic governance.

This dual message is particularly important for the Western Balkans as the region continues to navigate the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction, economic development, and European integration. The future of political systems in the region will depend heavily on how well they balance the need for strong leadership with the principles of democratic accountability and the rule of law. In this context, the Italian model of the presidency offers a valuable foundation for how that balance might be achieved.

The publication of this book is also a call to action for scholars, policymakers, and students in the Western Balkans. It is an invitation to engage with the ideas and experiences presented in this book, to consider their relevance for the region, and to reflect on how they might be applied to the challenges facing the Western Balkans today. The exchange of ideas and experiences is essential to the development of strong, democratic institutions in the region, and this book makes a meaningful contribution to that ongoing dialogue.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the author, the esteemed Professor Gianluca Passarelli, for his invaluable contribution to understanding the institution of the President of the Republic of Italy—not only within Italy, but now also through the translation of this book beyond the Republic itself.

Special thanks are also due to the translator of the Montenegrin edition, Professor Olivera Popović, for her excellent translation, which allows readers to enjoy this work in the Montenegrin language.

As the Western Balkans continue their journey toward greater political stability and integration with the European Union, the lessons from Italy’s experience with the presidency will be an invaluable resource. I encourage readers to engage with this work, explore its insights, and consider how Italy’s lessons can help shape the future of the Western Balkans. The challenges ahead are significant, but with careful reflection and a commitment to democratic principles, there is every reason to be optimistic about the region’s future.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zlatko Vujović
Reviewer of the Montenegrin edition