The two-day run off elections for local governments in 65 large cities and towns across Italy starts at 11am today. This includes key cities such as Rome, Turin and Trieste.
Voting in the two-day run-off for the local governments begins at 11am today (Sunday 17th October). 65 cities and large towns are looking to elect their new representatives.
The run-off vote takes place when no one candidate gets more than 50% of the vote.
Centre-left expected to take Rome
Two weeks ago, the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) won mayoral elections in numerous big cities. Rome’s incumbent mayor, Virginia Raggi of the 5-Star Movement, failed to make it to the run-off.
The PD won outright in the financial capital Milan. They also received more than 50% of the vote in Bologna and Naples, thus avoiding the need for a run-off.
Former economy minister Roberto Gualtieri is expected to pick up most of the votes in Rome which went to Raggi and Carlo Calenda in the first round.
Gualtieri came second in the first round with 27%, behind the right-wing candidate Enrico Michetti, a lawyer and radio host, on 30%. Since the first ballot, Michetti has been called out for making anti-semitic remarks in an article.
Read: Michetti accused of anti-semitism
Gualtieri received the backing of Calenda and former prime minister Giuseppe Conte, from the 5-Star Movement. Raggi decided not to endorse either of the remaining candidates.
Knock-on effect for Draghi government?
As well as Rome, there are second rounds in the northern cities of Turin and Trieste. Polls close on Monday afternoon.
It is unlikely the elections will have direct repercussions on Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s national unity government. Although, these are the first ballots since he became PM in February.
So far, the results are a setback for two right-wing parties, Matteo Salvini’s League and Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy. These parties are still likely to do well in many of the smaller towns.
