The Italian regional elections of 2000 were held on 16 April.
For the very first time, following the 1999 constitutional reform, the presidents of the Regions were directly elected by citizens. Alongside this change, a new provision was introduced: the President is elected for a five-year term, but if during the term they face a vote of no confidence, resign, or die, under the simul stabunt, simul cadent clause (literally, âÂÂthey will stand together or they will fall togetherâÂÂ), the regional council is also dissolved, and a snap election is called.
Following the electoral defeat suffered by the centre-left coalition, Massimo D'Alema resigned as Prime Minister.
After losing the 1996 general election, Silvio Berlusconi was able to form a new centre-right coalition, once again including the Northern League in the alliance.