In Italy, the strong performance of right-wing parties in the first round of municipal elections confirms a trend that could define the 2023 national election and increase economic and political risk in the country. Right-wing parties emerged as the main winners in the first round of local elections on June 12 in 981 municipalities across Italy, including in 26 provincial and regional capitals. The coalition that includes the right-wing Brothers of Italy and Lega parties surpassed the threshold needed to elect a mayor in the first round in three out of six major cities (Genoa, Palermo and L’Aquila). Ahead of the June 26 runoff, the center-left alliance has gained a majority in Parma and Verona, while the center-right coalition is leading in Catanzaro. Overall, 13 cities will elect their majors in the second round. The total vote count across the country saw Brothers of Italy and the center-left Democratic Party...
