La derecha italiana arrasa en la segunda vuelta de elecciones municipales

Italian right-wing parties have emerged triumphant in the second round of municipal elections held on June 20th. These elections were considered a crucial indicator of political sentiment before national elections next year. The coalition led by the far-right League won 11 of the 20 municipalities including Verona, the birthplace of League leader Matteo Salvini, and Vicenza, a stronghold of the centre-left. The left took only three municipalities while the Five Star Movement and centrist parties won two each. Voter turnout was only 49%, down from 62% in the first round last September. The recent gains by the right signal potential political trouble for the ruling coalition, which is grappling with a difficult economic recovery from the pandemic. It also highlights the growing appeal of right-wing parties across Europe, which is a matter of concern in EU circles. The results of these municipal elections were crucial in gauging the country’s political landscape ahead of the general elections which are less than a year away.