Campaign tensions are rising in Tuscany ahead of the upcoming regional elections, expected to take place in October, though no official date or candidates have yet been confirmed. At the center of the political debate is current governor Eugenio Giani of the Democratic Party (PD), who has expressed a preference for holding the vote on October 12, 2025—one week earlier than originally anticipated. But his own candidacy remains formally unconfirmed.
During a recent public assembly organized by Confcooperative in Bagno a Ripoli, Giani and the likely center-right challenger, Alessandro Tomasi—mayor of Pistoia and a member of Fratelli d’Italia, the party of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—clashed openly. Tomasi criticized what he called a “disgusting” and “wearisome” back-and-forth over the election date, demanding clarity in order to allow enough time to campaign and collect signatures for potential lists, especially for those without current representation in the regional council.
Despite the heated exchange, both appeared to agree that voting on October 12 would be acceptable, though a formal decree from the regional administration is still required.
The Democratic Party’s Dilemma
Beyond the dispute over the voting date, a deeper uncertainty looms over the PD’s strategy. Giani has not yet been officially nominated by his party for a second term, prompting mounting pressure from local PD circles. In an open letter to national secretary Elly Schlein and regional secretary Emiliano Fossi, several local party leaders urged the leadership to stop delaying and reconfirm Giani as their candidate.
The letter describes Giani as a “good president” whose leadership, while not without criticism, has earned public approval. It calls for a swift relaunch of a progressive coalition and the creation of a bold, participatory program for the next five years—one that balances continuity with ambition. The signatories warn that indecision could disorient the party’s base and compromise their electoral prospects.
A Divided Center-Left
Giani, a longtime figure in Tuscan politics, is not aligned with the political current of Elly Schlein, who leads the PD on a more progressive and left-leaning platform. This internal difference may help explain the hesitation at the national level, despite Giani’s popularity and governing experience. Supporters argue that Giani has proven to be an effective and pragmatic president, able to engage with a broad political spectrum.
Adding to the uncertainty is the unclear role of the Five Star Movement (M5S). Traditionally in opposition to the center-left government in Tuscany, the M5S has recently grown closer to the PD on a national level. Whether this rapprochement will extend to regional alliances remains to be seen. A united front between the PD, M5S, and other left-leaning parties could be crucial to holding off the center-right’s challenge.
Center-Right Without a Common Front
But the opposition bloc, too, has yet to finalize its strategy. Although Tomasi appears to be the frontrunner for the nomination, his candidacy has not been formally endorsed by the coalition. In recent weeks, other names have circulated within Forza Italia and the Lega, suggesting internal divisions that could undermine their campaign.
A Historic Stronghold
Since the establishment of regional governments in 1970, Tuscany has never been governed by the center-right. The region is considered a historic stronghold of the left, though recent years have seen shifting political winds and growing competition. In 2020, Giani defeated center-right candidate Susanna Ceccardi (Lega) with 48.6% of the vote to her 40.5%.
As the 2025 elections approach, the battle lines are slowly being drawn—but for now, Tuscany remains a region suspended between tradition, transformation, and political uncertainty.