Berlusconi boost
March 30, 2010
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's coalition made a strong showing in regional elections widely viewed as a popular vote on his leadership, according to early indications. The premier held off a challenge by the center-left opposition while other parties in his coalition improved their showing.
The preliminary results, released late on Monday, indicate success for Berlusconi's coalition following a year of personal and political scandal. Rather than losing regions to the opposition, as some had predicted, Berlusconi's coalition allies looked set to clinch control of four regions.
The coalition, which unites Berlusconi's People of Freedom party (PDL) and the anti-immigration Northern League, were expected to take control of the southern regions of Calabria and Cantabria, as well as Rome's Lazio region and the northern Piedmont region.
Failure to take advantage
While the center-left failed to capitalize on Berlusconi's recent problems, there appeared to be good news for the Northern League. The populist party made gains in terms of voter share against its senior coalition partner in the northern conservative strongholds of Veneto and Lombardy.
In Veneto, as expected, the league emerged as the largest single party. It was also set to become the most popular right-wing party in Piedmont.
The results could make it possible for the Northern League to exercise more power within the government.
Figures from Italy's interior ministry showed that voter turnout was low in the two days of voting in 13 of Italy's 20 regions. About 64 percent of those eligible to vote did so, down eight percentage points on regional elections five years ago.
Action to improve turnout
Announcing the figures, Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said efforts were needed to increase voter participation.
"We should see to it that participation is stronger in the next elections in three years."
A low turnout had been expected to hinder Berlusconi. Prominent PDL member Osvaldo Napoli said before the election that a turnout of less than 70 percent "would penalize us,” while Berlusconi made appeals for voters to cast their ballots.
rc/Reuters/dpa/AFP/AP
Editor: Rick Demarest