FLORENCE, ITALY – This Sunday (May 31, 2015) seven of the 20 Italian regions, including Tuscany, will vote to renew their regional council and their governors. Additionally thousands of cities, most notably Venice, will renew their city councils and their mayors.
The outcome of the elections will likely affect the internal debate issues including the economic and immigration crisis. A good performance by eurosceptic movements like the Northern League and the Five Star Movement, who openly supports Italy withdrawing from the European Monetary Union.
Tuscany is usually considered a moderate wealthy region, with a GDP per capita higher than the national average and an unemployment rate lower than the national average. Politically, Tuscany is usually seen, alongside with Emilia Romagna, as the historical heartland of the Italian left.
Though incumbent governor Enrico Rossi looks unbeatable, there’s a small chance he might be forced to a runoff. Tuscany is the only region whose electoral law impose a runoff if no candidate reaches the 40% threshold. Rossi being an overwhelming favorite to win re-election the real interest is focused on who will be the runner-up. The race for second place is wide open with the 5 Star Movement flag bearer Giacomo Giannarelli and the economist Claudio Borghi Aquilini, endorsed by the Northern League and the Fratelli d’Italia. Stefano Mugnai is Forza Italia candidate.