A government that is not punished in the administration? Rare case in Europe

The unexpected and sensational outcome of the ballots, which for the first time roundly rewarded the centre-right, traditionally succumbing in this type of electoral confrontation, an outcome to which is added a clearly positive result also in Catania and in other Sicilian cities where the first round is played it represents not only a novelty in Italy but an exception in Europe. At the same time, in fact, the administrative elections in many regions and cities of Spain saw a resounding success of the center-right oppositions, which led the socialist premier Pedro Sánchez to resign, paving the way for early general elections. Previously in other European countries the administrations had rewarded the opposition, that of the left in Great Britain, that of the center in Germany. Even in Turkey, Erdogan lost the last local elections in Istanbul and Ankara.

In a phase characterized by upheavals and tensions, from the pandemic to the war to the tendential recession, it is understandable that the electorate punishes those who govern, which makes the Italian exception more notable. Perhaps there is also a tendency towards the “electoral strike”, confirmed by the low participation in the vote, which now affects the left more than the right. Even in Vicenza, where the Democratic Party candidate won, in the run-off he obtained a half advantage over his center-right opponent compared to that in the first round.

In short, it can be jokingly said that Giorgia Meloni is isolated in Europe precisely because its government majority is confirmed and expanded in local elections unlike what happens in most other countries of the old continent. Of course drawing national and political conclusions from local and local elections is always a dangerous exercise. But it can be said that Elly Schlein he has reason to reflect on the failure of the shoulder he expected to be able to give to the majority.