San Marino: The unique republic with two heads of state

In the heart of the Italian peninsula, surrounded by the grandeur of modern Italy, lies the small republic of San Marino, an enclave of just 61 square kilometers inhabited by little more than 30,000 people. With a history dating back centuries, San Marino stands as a living testament to the ancient city-states that once dominated the region. However, unlike its vanished counterparts, San Marino has endured over the years, preserving its independence and unique identity. It is in this unique context that one of San Marino's most peculiar features emerges: its dual government system, where two heads of state, known as "captains regent," share the power and responsibilities of leading the country. This practice, dating back to at least 1243, has its roots in the need to avoid excessive concentration of power in one person, following the model of the Roman Republic and its consuls. According to Professor Valentina Rossi, an expert in San Marino's history, this political peculiarity is not only a matter of tradition but also a measure aimed at maintaining a balance of power and preventing potential abuses. In such a small and closely-knit country, the semiannual rotation of the captains regent is not only a formality but also a reminder of the fundamental democratic principles on which the nation is based. Despite any criticisms that may arise regarding the brevity of their term, the election of the captains regent remains a process rooted in San Marino's identity and history. Formerly selected by lottery, since 1945 they have been elected by Parliament, thus reflecting the popular will through a representative system. This reform also redefined the role of the captains regent, granting them a more ceremonial and symbolic function, while executive responsibilities lie with the secretaries of state. In addition to their internal function of control and parliamentary representation, the captains regent also play a crucial role in San Marino's international projection. As representatives of the country to international bodies and organizations, their presence often poses logistical challenges, such as seating arrangements at diplomatic meetings. Despite these obstacles, the captains regent proudly fulfill their duty to represent San Marino on the world stage. In a gesture towards inclusion and gender equality, San Marino has made progress in recent years in the participation of women in politics, allowing them to hold leadership positions. While the presence of women as captains regent is a relatively recent development, it represents a significant step towards greater diversity and representation in the governmental sphere. With the hope of seeing the election of two female captains regent in the near future, San Marino progresses towards a horizon of equality and progress. Ultimately, San Marino's uniqueness as the world's only republic with two heads of state is not just a legacy of its historical past, but also a symbol of its firm commitment to democracy, transparency, and political stability. Through its deep-rooted traditions and adaptation to modern times, San Marino continues to play a unique role in the concert of nations, demonstrating that greatness is not always tied to size, but to the strength of its institutions and the spirit of its people.