Centre Right Holds Marche in Boost for Premier Giorgia Meloni
Marche: The centre-right coalition has successfully retained control over the Marche region in recent regional elections, providing a significant boost to Premier Giorgia Meloni. The incumbent Governor, Francesco Acquaroli, emerged victorious against his centre-left opponent, Matteo Ricci, securing approximately 52% of the vote compared to Ricci’s 45%.
According to Ansa News Agency, pre-election polls had predicted an even larger margin of victory for Acquaroli, who first made history five years ago by becoming the region’s initial centre-right governor. Premier Meloni commented on the election results, emphasizing that voters had recognized and rewarded Acquaroli’s dedication and hard work over the past five years.
Meloni expressed her support for Acquaroli through social media, stating, “Francesco Acquaroli wins the Marche regional elections, reaffirming his position as President. Voters have rewarded a person who has worked tirelessly for his region and its citizens over the years. I’m sure he will continue in his commitment with the same passion and determination. Congratulations, Francesco, and good luck in your work.”
Acquaroli, 51, hails from the Marche capital of Macerata and is affiliated with Meloni’s right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party. His rival, Ricci, also 51, previously served as the mayor of Pesaro, a port city in Marche where he was born. Acquaroli led a coalition comprising the ruling national parties of FdI, the centre-right post-Berlusconi Forza Italia (FI) party, the right-wing League party, and the small centre-right Noi Moderati (We Moderates) party.
Ricci, on the other hand, headed a ‘broad field’ coalition that included his own centre-left Democratic Party (PD), the left-wing populist 5-Star Movement (M5S), the Green-Left Alliance (AVS), and several centrist local groups. The election in Marche is viewed as a crucial national test, being one of seven regional elections currently underway or scheduled in Italy in the near future.
In addition to Marche, a regional election occurred in Val d’Aosta, where local autonomist and progressive parties maintained their hold on power. Upcoming elections are slated for Calabria on October 5-6, Tuscany on October 12-13, and Veneto, Campania, and Puglia on November 24-25. Notably, voter turnout in Marche was down by nearly 10 percentage points, dropping to just over 50%, reflecting a possible increase in political disaffection among the electorate.