The conservative alliance consisting of Leaguethe Brothers of Italy and Forza Italia precedes the local elections which took place yesterday and today in 595 municipalities in Italy.

Voter turnout was 59%, two percentage points less than the previous contest.

In a total of thirteen cities, capitals of regions, the conservatives receive a higher percentage in ten and the center-left in three.

From the first round, the mayors of Latina (seventy kilometers south of Rome) and of the northern Italian cities of Treviso and Sondrio were elected, with the victory of the center-right candidates. In Brescia (a short distance from Milan) and Teramo in central Italy, the centre-left prevailed. Finally, in Imperia (near Genoa), an independent candidate supported by the government alliance won.

In big cities like Pisa, Ancona and Vicenza no candidate exceeded 50% and, consequently, voters will be called to the polls again in two weeks.

The first reactions of officials of the Meloni government are characterized by satisfaction, although everyone emphasizes that no comparison can be made with the parliamentary elections of last September. As for the center-left alliance, it is underlined that in most cities the progressive candidates are still “in the game” and that the final assessments should be made after the second round.