Order of Merit of the Italian Republic

The badge, modified in 2001, bears the inscription Al Merito della Repubblica encircling the national coat of arms on the obverse and the Latin Patriæ 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.By Decree of the President of the Republic No. 173 of 30 March 2001 The six degrees with corresponding ribbons are as follows (with numbers to 2 June 2020):

Ribbon(1951–2001)  Ribbon(since 2001)  Class (English)  Full title in Italian  Awards 80px 80px Grand Cross with Collar Gran Croce si Collare Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana 199 80px 80px 1st Class / Grand Cross Gran Croce Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana 9,178 80px 80px 2nd Class / Grand Officer Grande Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana 24,830 80px 80px 3rd Class / Commander Commendatore Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana 48,184 80px 80px 4th Class / Officer Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana 33,442 80px 80px 5th Class / Member Membro Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana 146,390
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.

 References 

Category:1950s establishments in Italy
Category:1951 establishments in Europe
Category:Orders, decorations, and medals of Italy
Category:Politics of Italy