October 29, 2024
The center-right breathes a sigh of relief, while the Italians are sitting at the table for dinner and the results of the count pull the coalition out of the head-to-head quagmire that had kept the leaders in suspense throughout the afternoon. Marco Bucci does it, wins in Liguria and sweeps away the bad wind of poisons, of the trauma of a judicial storm. And they all breathe a sigh of relief. Starting from Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister who had strongly bet on the candidacy of the mayor of Genoa, a civic figure: «Congratulations to Marco Bucci for the victory», writes the Prime Minister on social media. «Once again, the united center-right has been able to respond to the expectations of citizens, who confirm their trust in our policies and in the concreteness of our projects». Matteo Salvini, speaking on Rete 4, highlights the burden of the difficulties of recent months in Ligurian regional politics. The citizens, explains the Minister of Transport, «have chosen and they have chosen well. I hoped so, but it was difficult: between arrests and a devastating political and media judicial campaign… But work pays, and this is not just in politics, it’s life.” And he underlines: «The citizens have seen how Genoa and Liguria have changed and have appreciated the work of our administrators and Bucci. It is a regional vote, not a national one. Someone tried to transform the vote in Liguria into an attack on the government, but it went badly.”
In relation to government dynamics, the vice-president of the Council explains: «The government would have continued to work peacefully even if the citizens had made a different choice. Surely someone on the left hoped for something different.” A thought then goes to the former president of the Council: «Giovanni Toti I greet him and thank him. This result is also the result of his work. A beautiful evening, but nothing changes for the government.” Even if there is a bitterness about participation in the vote: «Certainly starting from a turnout below 50% which, to be honest, doesn’t allow anyone to rejoice. It means that victory is a little less victory.” The danger averted, however. Because, observes Salvini, «a victory for the left in some of the construction sites would have meant a stop. The far left said to stop them.”
Foreign Minister and Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani observes in Quarta Repubblica: «We won despite everything. The left had already prepared the drums for its victory.” With Marco Bucci, underlines the deputy prime minister, in Liguria “the politics of doing will continue”. On the contrary, with the left there would have been “a victory for the no”. Late in the evening Giovanni Toti’s position also leaked out. Unofficial because, explains Adnkronos, the former president of Liguria preferred not to make any statements. However, those who heard it reported their happiness at Bucci’s victory. And the observation, shared with the people closest to him, that “evidently the Ligurians have interpreted well what happened in recent months”.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Sofia Rossi on Liguria’s Recent Election Results**
**Editor:** Today, we’re joined by political analyst Sofia Rossi to discuss the recent election results in Liguria and their implications for the Italian political landscape. Thank you for being here, Sofia.
**Sofia Rossi:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** The center-right coalition, led by Marco Bucci, emerged victorious in Liguria. What does this mean for the coalition and for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni?
**Sofia Rossi:** This victory is quite significant for the center-right. It not only reinforces their position in Liguria but also allows Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to showcase her leadership and the effectiveness of her policies. She took a gamble by supporting Bucci, and it seems to have paid off. It’s a morale booster for the coalition, especially after recent judicial troubles.
**Editor:** Matteo Salvini emphasized that the vote was more about regional issues rather than a national referendum. How do you interpret that statement?
**Sofia Rossi:** Salvini’s comments highlight a crucial distinction in Italian politics—the tendency to conflate local elections with national sentiment. By framing it as a regional win, he deflects the narrative that this could have been a referendum on the national government, especially given the tumultuous political climate. It shows an awareness of how narratives can shift, depending on electoral outcomes.
**Editor:** There was also a noted concern about the low voter turnout, below 50%. How does that affect the perception of this victory?
**Sofia Rossi:** That’s an important point. While a win is a win, low turnout can cast a shadow over any victory. It indicates voter apathy or disengagement, which suggests that many citizens might not feel represented or satisfied with their choices. Thus, while the coalition can celebrate, they must also reflect on the implications of voter engagement moving forward.
**Editor:** Salvini mentioned the potential risks had the left won. What kind of changes could a leftist victory have brought to Liguria?
**Sofia Rossi:** A leftist victory could have signaled a shift in policy priorities, especially in areas such as infrastructure and social services. The far left’s calls to halt certain development projects could have been executed, potentially stalling progress that the center-right claims to have invigorated. The election results suggest that the electorate wanted to maintain the current trajectory, which they see as beneficial.
**Editor:** Lastly, how do you see the results of this election influencing future political dynamics in Italy?
**Sofia Rossi:** This election will likely bolster the center-right’s confidence and may embolden them to pursue more ambitious policies. However, the low turnout is a warning sign that they need to address the electorate’s dissatisfaction. If they fail to engage citizens effectively, the political landscape could change in future elections. The center-right must remain vigilant and responsive to voters’ needs to retain their support.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sofia, for your insights on this critical issue. It’s been a pleasure!
**Sofia Rossi:** Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to discuss Italian politics.
