Italy has begun voting in a nationwide round of local elections that is widely seen as a key political test for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing governing coalition, following recent setbacks including a defeat in a justice referendum.
Polling opened on Sunday across hundreds of municipalities and resumed on Monday, with voters choosing new mayors and municipal councils in around 749 local authorities. More than six million citizens are eligible to vote across 700 municipalities, including major cities such as Venice and 15 provincial capitals.
Initial turnout figures suggested participation of around 46.5 per cent on the first day, slightly below the 50.1 per cent recorded in the previous comparable election cycle. Officials say the final turnout will be assessed after the close of polling.
The elections are being closely watched in Rome as the last major political test before Italy’s expected general election in 2027. Analysts say the results could provide an early indicator of whether Meloni’s coalition retains strong grassroots support or whether recent political headwinds are beginning to erode its position.
The vote covers a broad range of cities and towns, including administrative centres such as Venice, Messina, Salerno, Prato, Reggio Calabria and Mantua, making it one of the most extensive local electoral exercises in Europe.
For municipalities with more than 15,000 residents, a second round of voting is scheduled for 7 and 8 June. In Sardinia, where elections are also taking place in 149 municipalities, run-offs are set for 21 and 22 June.
The political stakes have been heightened by Meloni’s recent defeat in a referendum on justice reform, which was interpreted as a rare setback for a government that has generally enjoyed stable support since taking office.
Political observers say the outcome of the local elections could either reassure the centre-right coalition of continued voter backing or signal emerging vulnerabilities ahead of the national vote due next year. The results are expected to shape political momentum as Italy moves closer to its next general election cycle.
via Euronews
