(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 19 - Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein 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." Meloni said she was "sorry" about the defeats but "optimistic" about the level of support shown for her right-wing coalition.
    "The citizens are always right. I am sorry for the result and the non-confirmation of the government in Umbria", Meloni told a press briefing on the sidelines of the G20 in Rio de Janeiro.
    "The citizens chose another side.
    "We take note of it, we will make our assessments.
    "We need to listen to what the citizens have said, who in these two years have rewarded the centre right.
    "I am still very optimistic about the consensus of the citizens.
    "We need to ask ourselves what has not worked.
    "Not always winning helps keep our feet on the ground".
    Despite the defeats the score in regional polls is 12-3 for the centre right since Meloni became Italy's first woman premier in September 2022. (ANSA).