Key facts
- Italy's ruling coalition won a by-election in Calabria on Monday.
- The victory is seen as a test for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni against far-right challenger Roberto Vannacci.
- The government candidate won with approximately 53% of the vote.
- Roberto Vannacci's nominee secured about 10% of the vote.
- Turnout was 22%, significantly lower than in previous elections.
Italy's ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has won a closely watched by-election in the southern region of Calabria. This election was considered the first major test for Meloni against Roberto Vannacci, a former army general whose new far-right party, National Future, has gained significant traction in opinion polls.
The government candidate secured approximately 53% of the vote, while Vannacci's nominee received about 10%. Analysts had anticipated a stronger performance from Vannacci in this traditionally right-wing stronghold, suggesting his candidacy might have split the right-wing vote and potentially aided the centre-left. The centre-left candidate garnered around 35% of the vote.
Turnout for the election was notably low at 22%. Vannacci's party has surged to around 9% in national opinion polls since its launch in February, challenging Meloni's junior coalition partners. His platform focuses on anti-migrant rhetoric and traditional Italian values, which has unsettled Meloni and could complicate her re-election prospects by drawing away voters. Pollsters have indicated that a potential alliance with Vannacci could help Meloni retain power, but such a pact might create internal government tensions. Parliament undersecretary Matilde Siracusano expressed concerns about any electoral pact with National Future.