The current mayor is Alan Fabbri, a member of the right-wing populist party Lega Nord, who took office on 11 June 2019.

[1][2] According to the Italian Constitution, the mayor of Ferrara is member of the city council.

The mayor is elected by the population of Ferrara, who also elect the members of the city council, controlling the mayor's policy guidelines and is able to enforce his resignation by a motion of no confidence.

The mayor is entitled to appoint and release the members of his government.

Since 1995, under provisions of new local administration law, the Mayor of Ferrara is chosen by popular election, originally every four and since 1999 every five years.