Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is the most senior Italian order of merit. It was established in 1951 by the second president of the Italian Republic, Luigi Einaudi.
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, the Order of the Crown of Italy, the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation.
Grades
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 Latin Patriæ Unitati and Civium Libertati encircling the head of Italia turrita on the reverse. The six degrees with corresponding ribbons are as follows :
| Ribbon | Ribbon | Class | Full title in Italian | Awards |
| 80px | Knight Grand Cross with Collar | Cavaliere di Gran Croce Decorato di Gran Cordone Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana | 201 | |
| 1st Class / Knight Grand Cross | Cavaliere di Gran Croce Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana | 9,178 | ||
| 2nd Class / Grand Officer | Grande Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana | 24,830 | ||
| 3rd Class / Commander | Commendatore Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana | 48,184 | ||
| 4th Class / Officer | Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana | 33,442 | ||
| 5th Class / Knight | Cavaliere 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.
Recipients
Grand Cross with Collar
- Presidency of Luigi Einaudi :
| Date | Recipient |
| 28 December 1952 | – King Paul I |
| 11 March 1953 | – President Getúlio Vargas |
| 30 May 1953 | – Prince Rainier III |
| 16 July 1953 | – President Camille Chamoun |
| 6 October 1953 |  Venezuela|1930ARGGERHAIDOMCHIWearer's guide |