Lamministrazione

L'amministrazione (the administration) is the Italian term for the act or system of managing resources and affairs, and can refer to both public administration and the management of a private or organizational entity. It derives from Latin administratio, from ad- “toward” and ministrare “to serve or to manage.”

In a political context, l'amministrazione denotes the government in power during a given period, often described in English as the incumbent administration or the current administration.

In the public sector, l'amministrazione pubblica comprises central ministries, regional authorities, and local municipalities tasked with implementing laws, delivering services, and regulating activities. Public administration operates under constitutional principles such as legality, impartiality, efficiency, and transparency, and is governed by administrative law, including the Law 241/1990 on administrative procedure and related reforms. Administrative acts can be reviewed before administrative courts (TAR) and the Council of State.

The administrative system is organized across levels of government, with central ministries handling national matters, while regional and local administrations manage local governance, health, education, infrastructure, and public services. Beyond the state, administration also denotes the internal management of private organizations, encompassing planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve objectives and ensure governance and accountability.

Related concepts include amministrazione di sostegno, a protective administration mechanism for persons with reduced decision-making capacity, and various forms of administrative action and reform aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and citizen access to services.