Regional council (Italy)

A Regional Council (Italian: Consiglio Regionale) is the legislative body of an Italian region. Each of the 20 regions of Italy has its own Regional Council, elected by direct universal suffrage by the citizens of the region.

The Regional Council's primary function is to legislate on matters delegated to the regions by the Italian Constitution, as well as on areas where the regions have been granted concurrent powers with the national government. These areas include, but are not limited to, healthcare, education, transportation, urban planning, and social services. The specific competencies and powers can vary slightly depending on the region's Statute, with Special Statute regions having greater autonomy.

The size of a Regional Council varies depending on the population of the region, but typically ranges from 30 to 80 members. Councillors are elected for a five-year term (with some exceptions in the past).

The Regional Council elects a President from among its members, who typically plays a key role in leading the council's activities and representing the region. The President of the Regional Council is distinct from the President of the Regional Government (Italian: Presidente della Giunta Regionale), who leads the executive branch.

In addition to legislating, the Regional Council also performs oversight functions, scrutinizing the activities of the Regional Government and holding it accountable. It approves the regional budget and has the power to pass motions of no confidence against the Regional Government.

The Regional Council is a fundamental element of the Italian state, reflecting the principle of regional autonomy enshrined in the Constitution. The interplay between the Regional Council, the Regional Government, and the national government shapes the governance of Italy at the regional level.