Italy: elections in Sardinia, a test for the government of Giorgia Meloni

This Sunday, February 25, the Sardinians are called to the polls to elect a new president of their region and renew the council attached to the island, located to the west of the peninsula and populated by 1.6 million inhabitants.

A few months before the European elections, this election represents an important test for the right-wing and far-right majority, led by Giorgia Meloni, and the center-left opposition, led by Elly Schlein.

Alghero, in northern Sardinia, in 2021 (illustrative photo).

AFP - ANDREAS SOLARO

By: RFI Follow

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With our correspondent in Rome,

Anne Le Nir

Sardinia is an island of great beauty that attracts mass tourism.

Paradoxically, it is also the poorest region in Italy, facing many difficulties.

From the failing health system to obsolete infrastructure to the youth unemployment rate which reaches 23%.

Problems which were not tackled head-on by the outgoing right-wing governor, Christian Solinas.

For this election, four candidates are in the running.

The two main ones are the mayor of Cagliari, Paolo Truzzu, member of Fratelli d'Italia, supported by right-wing and far-right coalition, and the deputy of the 5 Star Movement Alessandra Todde, whose candidacy is the subject of a alliance with the Democratic Party of Elly Schlein.

According to the latest polls, these candidates are neck and neck.

For the Prime Minister, the failure of Paolo Truzzu would mark the end of the honeymoon with the voters of Fratelli d'Italia and would not bode well for the European elections.

For Elly Schlein, the defeat of Alessandra Todde would put a stop to her plan for a broader alliance with the 5 Star Movement and could make her give up running as head of her party's list in the European elections.

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