Florence has made history by electing its first female mayor, Sara Funaro, in a resounding victory over her right-wing opponent. Representing the centre-left Democratic Party, Funaro secured over 60% of the vote, maintaining her party’s control of the city.
Meanwhile, Eric Schmidt, supported by Italy’s far-right coalition government, garnered 39% of the vote. This election marked a string of successes for centre-left parties, winning in five regional capitals.
In her victory speech, Funaro expressed her excitement at the prospect of serving as Florence’s mayor and dedicated her win to her grandfather, a revered figure in the city. Despite his defeat, Schmidt remained optimistic about the future.
The centre-left alliance, led by the PD, also triumphed in other cities like Bergamo, Bari, Cagliari, and Perugia, securing important victories against the far-right ruling bloc. This outcome signifies a shift in Italian politics following the recent European Parliament elections.