Giunta

in Italy, the executive branch of the government of a commune, province, or region. The giunta is elected for a four-year term by the corresponding municipal councils from among their own members. In communes the giunta is headed by the sindico (mayor) and in provinces and regions, by the president of the municipal council. The decisions of the giunta are controlled by representatives of the central government—by the prefects of provinces and by regional commissioners. The higher giuntas approve the most important decisions of lower municipal agencies.