Italy's Premier Giorgia Meloni faced election setbacks in two regions as the opposition Democratic Party secured victories in the central Umbria region and the left-leaning stronghold of Emilia-Romagna. The results of the two-day voting process, which concluded on Monday, marked a significant win for Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, who described the outcome as 'extraordinary.'
In Umbria, Stefania Proietti emerged victorious with 51% of the vote, surpassing the conservative coalition's candidate who received 46%. Meanwhile, in Emilia Romagna, the left's candidate Michele de Pascale secured 57% of the vote, an improvement from the party's 51% result in the previous regional election in 2020.
Notably, both Democratic Party candidates achieved success without the backing of the 5-Star Movement, which has been part of a fragile center-left coalition. Looking ahead, a more significant electoral challenge awaits Meloni in 2025 when six regions, including the populous northern region of Veneto governed by the populist League, will head to the polls. Meloni's coalition recently retained control of the Ligurian region in an election triggered by the resignation of the right-wing governor amidst a scandal.
