In this publication, we’ve already examined the Hamlet-like dilemma surrounding the interpretation of Italy’s local elections: Are they local or national in significance? Or perhaps a mix of both? Considering the critical administrative role of regional governments, particularly if differentiated autonomy were to be enacted, these elections hold intrinsic importance. In this round, the center-left scored a clean sweep, winning 2-0: they retained Emilia-Romagna and reclaimed Umbria, a historically left-leaning region that had shifted to the center-right in 2019. Looking deeper, the Democratic Party (PD) emerged as the clear victor, the Five Star Movement (M5S) saw further decline, Brothers of Italy held steady, while the League faltered, being overtaken by Forza Italia. These results speak volumes without delving into overly complex comparisons with past national, European, or local elections.
PD Secretary Elly Schlein celebrates, and rightly so; Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remains calm, equally justifiably. Beyond the specifics of territories and candidates, what broader trends emerge? The so-called “broad front” strategy seems firmly in place, with the PD acting as the flagship. However, they face the challenge of uniting increasingly fragmented allies—what political jargon often refers to as “bush parties.” Further complicating matters are persisting differences in vision across economic, social, and foreign policy domains.
On the other side, the center-right coalition holds together despite internal tensions, but it approaches the next two years of governance with the natural challenge of wear and tear. Since Meloni’s 2022 election victory, the regional scorecard reads 10-3 in favor of the governing majority. Yet this narrative shifts when considering the stark drop in voter turnout—approximately 20% lower in both Emilia-Romagna and Umbria compared to five years ago.
Ultimately, the real contest increasingly lies between abstentionism and democracy. The steady rise of the former undermines the substantive value of the latter. This issue should concern, engage, and mobilize all of politics—both left and right. Failure to address it risks the very erosion of the political system as we’ve known it since the post-war era, with all its flaws but also its defining strengths.
