A joint session of the two houses of the Italian Parliament has been convened for the afternoon of January 24, when it will have to be elected. President of the Republic, announced today the House of Representatives, transmits AP.

The agreement was previously reached by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Roberto Fico and the President of the Senate Maria Caselati.

In Italy, the head of state is elected by MPs, senators and councilors from 20 regions.

Winning the election requires two-thirds of the votes in the first three rounds of voting, and an absolute majority in the fourth.

In Italy, the election of a successor to the president is eagerly awaited Sergio Matarella and so far nothing is certain. The media has been speculating for weeks about the incumbent Prime Minister's candidacy Mario Draghi for Matarella's successor, but some would like this function to be entrusted to a woman.

The name of the former prime minister is constantly mentioned on the right Silvio Berlusconi.

In Italy, the president plays an important role, especially in times of crisis, as his powers include dissolving parliamentary houses and appointing ministers.

President Matarella's seven-year term expires in February.

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