Stefania Proietti, representing the centre-left and civic coalitions, has been officially elected as the new President of the Umbria region. The Emilia-Romagna and Umbria regional elections gave positive signals to the centre-left coalition parties.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, Proietti secured 51.13% of the votes, while her opponent, Donatella Tesei of the centre-right coalition, garnered 46.17%.
The Umbria regional elections brought notable changes to the Legislative Assembly. The centre-left now holds 12 seats: nine from the Democratic Party (PD), one from the Five Star Movement (M5S), and one each from Umbria Domani and the Green and Left Alliance. Meanwhile, the centre-right secured seven seats: three for Fratelli d’Italia (FdI), two for Forza Italia (FI), one for the League, and one for Tesei, who retains her position as a member of the assembly.
The Democratic Party emerged as the leading political force, obtaining 30.3% of the vote in Umbria. Fratelli d’Italia followed with 19.44%, marking a decline compared to its previous strong showings in European and general elections.
Who is Stefania Proietti?
Since 2016, Stefania Proietti has served as the mayor of Assisi, and since 2021, as the president of the Province of Perugia. She reluctantly agreed to run for the leadership of Umbria, a move that required her to step down as Assisi’s mayor. Her decision followed strong encouragement from the united centre-left coalition.
Proietti, a civic candidate unaffiliated with any political party, was supported by the “Patto Avanti” coalition. This broad alliance included the Democratic Party (PD), the Five Star Movement (M5S), the Alleanza Verdi-Sinistra, and civic groups such as *Umbria Domani*, *Civici Umbri*, *Umbria per la Sanità*, and *Umbria Futura*. Italia Viva and Azione also backed her, with Italia Viva participating without its symbol and Azione fielding candidates on a civic list.
Her campaign drew support from key national figures, including PD leader Elly Schlein, M5S president Giuseppe Conte, Nicola Fratoianni, and Angelo Bonelli of the Alleanza Verdi-Sinistra. Proietti described the alliance as “an undivided, civic, and open project.”
Proietti holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Perugia, a PhD in Industrial Engineering, and a second-level master’s in Energy Systems Management. Alongside her engineering career, she has worked as a university professor.
Low Turnout Highlights Voter Disaffection
Despite the significance of the regional elections, voter turnout remained low. In Umbria, 52.3% of eligible voters participated, a notable drop from the 64.69% recorded during the previous elections. The situation was even more pronounced in Emilia-Romagna, where only 46.42% of voters cast their ballots, compared to 67.27% in the last regional contest.
Broader Implications for Italian Politics
The centre-left’s victories in Emilia-Romagna and Umbria exceeded expectations, with PD Secretary Elly Schlein hailing the results as evidence of the coalition’s strength when united. In Umbria, the outcome was particularly significant, as it marked a shift in leadership from the centre-right. Schlein declared, “United, we win,” as she celebrated alongside Proietti in Perugia.
The results, however, have sparked discussions within the centre-right coalition. Fratelli d’Italia experienced a decline in support compared to recent European and national elections. According to Lorenzo Pregliasco, Director of YouTrend, “FdI’s numbers are higher than the last regional elections but fall short of expectations.” Forza Italia’s overtaking of the League in both regions has also raised questions about future candidate selections and the balance of power within the coalition.
Looking Ahead
The centre-right’s internal dynamics are likely to face further strain as significant regions prepare for elections in 2025. Fratelli d’Italia, which currently governs regions like Abruzzo and Lazio, may seek greater influence in candidate negotiations. Meanwhile, the League is expected to defend its strongholds in the North-East, notably Veneto, despite challenges in nominating a successor to Luca Zaia.
For the Five Star Movement, the results were disappointing, with leader Giuseppe Conte acknowledging the need for a credible and unified approach to counter the right. As discussions continue, Proietti’s victory in Umbria serves as a reminder of the shifting political landscape and the importance of voter engagement in shaping Italy’s regions.
