Veneto Heads to Polls: 51 Municipalities Vote, Seven Face Potential Runoffs

Veneto heads to the polls on May 24-25 for local elections in 51 of its 559 municipalities. For seven of these, particularly those with over 15,000 residents, a second round of voting on June 7-8 is a distinct possibility. The most closely watched race is in Venice, the region's capital, where the long tenure of Mayor Luigi Brugnaro is coming to an end.

This election cycle presents some unique circumstances, notably the number of mayoral positions becoming vacant due to recent regional elections. At least eight former mayors have transitioned to regional council roles, triggering early elections in their home towns. These include Albignasego, Carmignano di Brenta, Monselice, Castelfranco Veneto, Silea, Arzignano, Soave, and Ponte di Piave.

In the province of Belluno, nine municipalities will elect new administrations. The Padovano area sees 12 municipalities voting, including Albignasego and Monselice, which are subject to potential runoff elections. In Albignasego, Valentina Luise (center-right) faces Alberto Bettella (center-left). Monselice features Stefano Peraro (center-right) against Franco Ennio, an entrepreneur and president of Monselice Volley 86, representing the center-left.

Treviso province has six municipalities up for election, with Castelfranco serving as a focal point. Lawyer Maria Ghimenton runs with "Castelfranco può" for the center-left. The center-right coalition "Una nuova visione," backed by Lega, Fratelli d’Italia, Forza Italia, and a civic list, supports architect Luca Pozzobon. Internal center-right dissent is present with Diego Giovine, a former local councilor. Daniele Manente offers a transversal alternative with three civic lists, while Paolo Ceschini, a retired dentist, runs with "Nova Republica."

In the Venice province, beyond the capital, other municipalities are also participating in this electoral process, reflecting a broad regional engagement with local governance.