Genoa & Ravenna Elections: Center-Left Wins | Italy News
- Italy's recent local elections delivered key victories for the center-left coalition, particularly in Genoa and Ravenna, while the mayoral races in Matera and Taranto will proceed to runoffs.
- In Genoa, Silvia Salis of the center-left won outright, marking a notable shift as the city was previously led by a center-right governance.
- Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic party (PD), hailed the results as a clear indication that the center-right's momentum is faltering.
The center-left surged to victory in the Genoa and Ravenna elections, marking importent gains in Italy’s local political landscape. These wins signal a potential shift, while Matera and taranto head to a runoff, intensifying the competition. Voter turnout, averaging 56.29%, is under the microscope as the country prepares for pivotal referendums. The Democratic Party celebrates these outcomes as a sign of changing tides, while the center-right downplays thier impact. News Directory 3 is reporting on the reactions from Italy’s key political players and the implications. Discover what lies ahead for Italy’s political future.
Center-Left Coalition Sees Gains in Italy Local Elections
Updated May 27, 2025
Italy’s recent local elections delivered key victories for the center-left coalition, particularly in Genoa and Ravenna, while the mayoral races in Matera and Taranto will proceed to runoffs. The results are sparking national political debate about the strength of Italy’s political parties and the future of the current government.
In Genoa, Silvia Salis of the center-left won outright, marking a notable shift as the city was previously led by a center-right governance. Alessandro Barattoni secured a win for the center-left in Ravenna. However, Matera and Taranto did not yield a clear winner, necessitating a second round of voting.
Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic party (PD), hailed the results as a clear indication that the center-right’s momentum is faltering. Giovanni Donzelli of Brothers of Italy (Fdi), downplayed the significance, arguing that local elections should not be interpreted as a reflection of national sentiment. He maintained that the center-right continues to hold a strong position.
Voter turnout remained consistent with previous elections, averaging 56.29% across the 126 municipalities involved.This figure is under scrutiny as Italy approaches referendums on labour and citizenship, which require a 50% voter participation threshold to be valid. Riccardo Magi, secretary of Più Europa, expressed optimism about the turnout, viewing it as a positive sign for the upcoming referendums.
Specifically, in Ravenna, Alessandro Barattoni exceeded 58% of the vote, while Nicola Grandi, backed by Fdi and Forza Italia (Fi), garnered 24%. Alvaro Ancisi of the League received 6%.
taranto’s runoff will feature Piero Bitetti, supported by PD and Avs, against either Luca Lazzaro (Fdi and Fi) or Francesco Tacento, a civic candidate with League support. in Matera, Roberto Cifarelli (PD) will face Antonio Nicoletti, who has the backing of Fdi and fi.
“It is now clear…the center-right rejoices for the polls, we win the elections,” Elly Schlein, secretary of the PD, said.
Giuseppe Conte, president of the Five Star Movement (M5S), emphasized the importance of civic engagement, highlighting Salis’s victory in Genoa as evidence that grassroots movements resonate with voters. Schlein echoed this sentiment, stating that unity is essential for success.
Not all races saw a united front. While Genoa and Ravenna saw full coalition participation, the M5S ran independently in taranto and Matera. Matteo Renzi, president of Italia Viva (IV), criticized Conte’s strategy, suggesting that disunity leads to losses. Carlo Calenda, secretary of Action, emphasized the importance of reform-minded candidates. Nicola Fratoianni and Angelo Bonelli of Avs expressed their determination to challenge the right-wing government, aiming for a shift in national politics.
What’s next
As Matera and Taranto prepare for the upcoming runoffs, all eyes are on how these local results might influence the broader political landscape, particularly in anticipation of the 2027 national elections. The ability of the center-left to capitalize on recent gains and maintain a united front will be crucial in challenging the current government’s dominance.