He was elected first time round when he needed a 2/3 vote majority. The two Houses of Parliament plus representatives from the regions made an assembly of 1011 voters, 990 of whom were present.

770 voted for Ciampi, who in the debate and negotiations of the day before came out as the favorite of both the Government and Opposition (Freedom Pole, National Alliance, and CCD).

All newspapers and broadcast stations gave a positive interpretation of the election of the new President, as well as the speed and consensus of the vote.

Before Signor Ciampi, only two other presidential elections had had the required two-thirds majority.

Giuliano Amato will now take over at the Treasury.