Matteo Rossi and Lorenzo Bugli Inaugurated as San Marino's New Captains Regent

New Captains Regent Assume Office

The Republic of San Marino, the world's oldest republic, inaugurated its new Captains Regent, Matteo Rossi and Lorenzo Bugli, for the six-month term commencing on October 1, 2025. The traditional ceremony, a cornerstone of Sammarinese political life, saw European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič participate as the official orator, underscoring the international significance of the event.

Profiles of the New Heads of State

Matteo Rossi, born on July 9, 1986, brings a background in communication sciences and a notable career in both politics and sports. A graduate of the University of Bologna, Rossi is a member of the Party of Socialists and Democrats (PSD), which he joined in 2012, later serving as its president. He was first elected to the Grand and General Council in 2019 and re-elected in 2024, where he currently leads the PSD Council Group. This marks his first tenure as Captain Regent. Rossi is also a former footballer, having played as a midfielder for clubs like SP Tre Penne, with whom he won two championships and a federal trophy.

Joining him in the dual head of state role is Lorenzo Bugli, born on February 20, 1995, making him one of the youngest state leaders globally at 30 years old. Bugli, from Borgo Maggiore, is affiliated with the Sammarinese Christian Democratic Party (PDCS), entering politics in 2013. He holds a diploma in accounting and has studied at the Institute of Philosophical Studies in Lugano. Bugli was elected to the Grand and General Council in 2019 and re-elected in 2024. His nomination by his party was unanimous, and he also serves as president of the SS Murata football club. The election of Rossi and Bugli, representing different political parties, aligns with the Sammarinese tradition of ensuring political balance at the highest level of government.

The Unique Institution of Captains Regent

The role of Captains Regent is a distinctive feature of San Marino's political system, dating back to at least 1243 when the positions were first established as 'Consuls'. These two individuals serve concurrently as the heads of state for a brief six-month term, from April 1 to October 1, and from October 1 to April 1 each year. This ancient practice, enshrined in the country's constitution, is designed to prevent the concentration of power in any single individual. The Captains Regent are elected by the Grand and General Council, San Marino's 60-member legislative body, and cannot be re-elected until three years have passed since their last term. They preside over the Republic's key institutions, including the Congress of State and the Grand and General Council, and fulfill a crucial symbolic function, representing San Marino both domestically and on the international stage.

Inauguration Ceremony and European Presence

The investiture ceremony for the Captains Regent is a significant national event and a public holiday in San Marino. The announcement of the newly elected Captains Regent is traditionally made from the balcony of the Palazzo Pubblico by the Secretary of State for Internal Affairs. The presence of Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security and for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, as the official orator highlights San Marino's ongoing engagement with the European Union. Commissioner Šefčovič's participation underscores the diplomatic ties and cooperative relationship between the microstate and the broader European community, reflecting his portfolio's focus on interinstitutional dialogue and external relations.