イタリア共和国功労勲章

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italian: Ordine al merito della Repubblica Italiana) is the most senior Italian order of merit. It was established in 1951 by the second president of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi.^[1]

The highest-ranking honour of the Republic, it is awarded for "merit acquired by the nation" in the fields of science, literature, arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers.

The order effectively replaced national orders such as the Civil Order of Savoy (1831), the Order of the Crown of Italy (1868), the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (1572) and the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation (1362).^{[note 1]}

Investiture takes place twice a year – on 2 June, the anniversary of the foundation of the Republic, and on 27 December, the anniversary of the promulgation of the Italian Constitution. However, those awards on Presidential motu proprio, related to termination of service or granted to foreigners, may be made at any time.

The badge, modified in 2001, bears the inscription Al Merito della Repubblica encircling the national coat of arms on the obverse and the LatinPatriæ Unitati (for the union of the country) and Civium Libertati (for the liberty of the citizens) encircling the head of Italia turrita on the reverse.^[3] The six degrees with corresponding ribbons are as follows (with numbers to 2 June 2020):

The order is bestowed by decree of the President of the Italian Republic, as head of the orders of knighthood, on the recommendation of the President of the Council of Ministers. Except in exceptional circumstances, no one can be awarded for the first time a rank higher than Knight. The minimum age requirement is normally 35.

The Knight Grand Cross with Collar is awarded only to heads of state.

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  Wearer's guide for each grade (1951–2001)

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  Wearer's guide for each grade (2001–present)

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  Comparison of the pre-2001 (at left) and the post-2001 (at right) badges of the Order
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  All grades of the Order (pre-2001)
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  Five grades of the Order
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  The pre-2001 grades of the Order
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  Knight, Officer, Commander, Grand Officer and Grand Cross grades
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  Knights and Officer Classes of the Order
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  Knight 5th Class and Officer 4th Class grades
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  Sets of the Knight and Officer classes
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  Commander 3rd Class of the Order
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  Commander set in case
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  3rd Class set of the Order
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  Bestowal document of a Grand Officer grade with the insignia
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  Grand Officer set of insignia with the bestowal document
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  Grand Cross set of insignia
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  The Grand Cross grade of the Order in case of issue
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  Collar of the Order (pre-2001)

• Orders, decorations, and medals of Italy
• Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
• Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation

• Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana – Presidenza della Repubblica (in Italian)
• Ordini dinastici della Real Casa di Savoia(in Italian)