Premier Giorgia Meloni’s centre-right coalition has won another key regional contest, holding Calabria after last week’s victory in Marche.
Governor Roberto Occhiuto, of Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani’s Forza Italia (FI) party, was re-elected with just under 60% of the vote in the regional elections held on Sunday and Monday.
His main challenger, Pasquale Tridico — an MEP for the 5-Star Movement (M5S) and former head of Italy’s pensions and social security agency INPS — secured just over 40%, according to projections.
Occhiuto had announced his resignation in August after being placed under investigation in a corruption probe involving regional projects. He denied wrongdoing and sought a renewed mandate from voters, which he has now received decisively.
The result is another political boost for Meloni after centre-right incumbent Francesco Acquaroli, a member of her Brothers of Italy (FdI) party and a close ally, won re-election in Marche last week.
Calabria and Marche are among seven regions holding elections in the coming weeks. Local autonomist and progressive parties retained control in Val d’Aosta, while upcoming votes will take place in Tuscany next weekend and in Veneto, Campania, and Puglia on November 24–25.
Government praises result
Meloni hailed the Calabria result as proof of continued voter confidence in the centre right. “In Calabria, voters have also placed their trust in the centre-right coalition, confirming Roberto Occhiuto as Governor,” she wrote on social media. “This is an important result in recognition of good governance that we will continue to pursue for the well-being of the region and its citizens.”
Tajani also praised the outcome as “a great success” for Forza Italia, saying the vote reflected strong local support and had not been influenced by external events such as the Gaza war or recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Italy.
League leader and Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini echoed the sentiment, calling it “a great victory for the centre right.” He contrasted voters with “those who protest, destroy cities, and attack law enforcement,” referring to isolated incidents at large Gaza solidarity marches.
Defeated candidate Tridico congratulated Occhiuto, saying he hoped the governor would “govern Calabria as best he can.” Tridico described the campaign as “intense but short,” noting that Occhiuto’s resignation “took us by surprise.”
“I’m greatly disappointed, but comforted by the support of so many,” he added.
