Dux

The Dux of La Rossa is the head of state of the Republic of La Rossa. Democratically elected to two-year terms by nation-wide popular vote, the Dux holds immense executive power over the island. Although they are joined by an Advisory Council, representing the opinions of the island's city-provinces, and meant to place judgement on the Dux's decisions, the Advisors hold no formal power, unlike traditional legislatures, and all power to pass decrees lies in the hands of the reigning Dux. No term limits have ever been set for Duxes, and most have continued being re-elected until their deaths or retirement throughout the nation's history. Leo Minestrici of Mineria is the current reigning Dux, first elected in 39 PC.

The position was first established in 1044 TT, following the unification of the nation. In order to stop bloody skirmishes between the Six Families and cool tensions over territory between the city-states, a single central state was placed over the island. Since then, its ruler has been determined by vote amongst the Families. Giuseppe Giannone di Salino, often hailed as the "Father of the Nation", was crowned the first Dux. Although much power remained in regional hands for many centuries, the state began to centralize over time, and the Dux's power was understood to be more absolute. In 106 TT, the violence of the Spirit Revolution prompted the election of the reformist Dux Michelangelo Giannone di Salino, who expanded voting rights to all men in ownership of property. After the violent period of La Denunzia and the popular installation of Dux Giulio Falcone in 5 PC, the nation underwent several years without any elections, before pressure caused the ruling Dux to step down. Ever since, elections were determined by total nation-wide vote, with universal suffrage for all citizens over the age of 16. The following elections led to the victory of Ducissa Alessandra DeGaio, the only woman to hold such a position.