Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni failed in two regional elections as the opposition Democratic Party won in the Umbria and Emilia-Romagna regions.
The results of the two-day voting, which ended on Monday, marked a victory for the leader of the Democratic Party Elly Schlein.
Stefania Proietti won with 51% of the vote in Umbria compared to 46% for the conservative coalition candidate. In the northern Emilia-Romagna region, Michele de Pascale won 57% of the vote, bettering the party’s 51% result in the last regional vote in 2020.
The Democratic Party won without the support of the 5-Start Movement, part of the coalition. Meanwhile, Meloni’s coalition retained control of the Ligurian region last month in an election triggered by the resignation of the local governor.
However, Meloni faces a bigger test in 2025. Six regions, including densely populated Veneto, are voting next year.
