The region reconfirms itself as a true “red fort”. After the defeats in the regional elections in Calabria and Marche the “wide field” can smile, but there is a boom in abstentions
And on the third attempt, the so-called “wide field” can finally smile. A bitter smile, of course, because after all, the regional vote in Tuscany has always been a pure formalitygiven that the introduction of regional elections way back in 1970 Tuscany has always been administered by the left.
According to the projections of Consorzio Opinio Italia for Raithe outgoing governor Eugenio Gianisupported by Pd, Avs and M5s, would have obtained approximately 54.6% of the preferences, the challenger of the center-right Alessandro Tomasi instead it would stop at 40.6%.
The turnout was around 47.7% of those eligible, a negative record and a significant decline compared to the 62.6% of the last regional elections in 2020. As regards the individual parties, the Democratic Party remains in first place, with over 30% of the preferences, followed by Fratelli d’Italia; also noteworthy are the good results of Avs and Forza Italia, both close to 10%, closing the League and a disappointing 5 Star Movement.
However, the outgoing President can rejoice, rejoicing on social media: “For me it is an extraordinary satisfaction, I thank you all. I believe that this result indicates a Tuscany that decides with autonomy, with its brain and with the values that this region expresses: freedom, democracy and values of social justice”.
Giani re-elected despite Elly Schlein
The reconfirmation of Eugenio Giani certainly represents a victory for the center-left, but equally certainly a victory that should not be ascribed to Elly Schlein. On the contrary, it was a political stunt of which Giani himself was the director, managing to hold together a broad and fractious coalition, the “wide field”, which ranged from the 5 Star Movement to the more moderate component of Matteo Renzi.
Elly would have willingly sent Giani to the bench, preferring a more aligned candidate. However, the job went to him, a long-standing politician with a more traditional profile, and his victory served the so-called “wide field” as a lifeboat after the recent (and clear) defeats suffered in the Marche and in Calabria.
M5S, from opponent to supporter of Giani
The choice of the 5 Star Movement to support Giani. The Movement, in fact, had been proudly in opposition for the last five years, precisely against the Eugenio Giani who it now supports.
This support was neither immediate nor enthusiastic, indeed, initially Giuseppe Conte, leader of the M5S, had even avoided meeting Giani, only to be persuaded by Schlein herself in the logic of giving a “signal of unity”.
Renzi’s move
It is then worth mentioning the clever move of Matteo Renzi. His list, which brings together Italia Viva, +Europa and the Socialistschose to present himself with the name “Eugenio Giani President – Reformist HouseThis choice allowed the former prime minister to link his image to that of the most favored candidate, trying to absorb his popularity (and votes), a move which, judging by the results, seems to have borne fruit.
The League isn’t breaking through
For Matteo Salvini’s party, despite the general’s presence Roberto Vannacci as regional coordinator of the campaign, there was no “Vannacci effect” capable of driving the Alloy. The exit polls and instant polls place the League’s list in a range between 4.5% and 6.5%.
