New Emilia-Romagna Governor Michele de Pascale secured a clear win, obtaining a 56 per cent to 40.8 per cent 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 per cent of the vote, compared to 46.17 per cent 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.
In that election, it missed what had been described as an ‘open goal’ 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.”
ANSA
