Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly
Schelin said the victory of a 'broad field' centre-left alliance
in Sunday and Monday's regional elections in Emilia-Romagna and
Umbria showed the need for Italy's opposition parties to join
forces to take on Premier Giorgia Meloni's ruling centre-right
coalition.
New Emilia-Romagna Governor Michele de Pascale secured a clear
win, obtaining a 56% to 40.8% triumph over the centre-right's
Elena Ugolini to hold the centre-left stronghold.
The centre-left also took back Umbria after five years, with
Stefania Proietti winning 51,13 of the vote, compared to 46.17%
for incumbent centre-right Governor Donatella Tesei.
"United, you win," said Schlein, whose PD was the top-voted
party in both regions.
The wins are a much-needed fillip for the centre left after it
narrowly lost Liguria a month ago, missing what had been
described as an 'open goal' in elections made necessary by the
resignation of the region's former centre-right governor over a
corruption probe.
"All the progressive parties contributed to this plural,
collective victory," Schlein told Tuesday's edition of La
Repubblica.
"It shows us the direction to build the alternative to the
right.
"The dramatic decline (in the votes) of the government parties
should encourage them to ask themselves about the mistaken
policies they are pursuing.
"Public health has become the primary concern for citizens
regardless of who they vote for.
"And I wouldn't be surprised if some of those voters who voted
for Stefania and Michele did so precisely because of our battles
to defend hospitals and wages."
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