Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition has won the Venice mayoral race.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right‑wing coalition won the Venice mayoral race, according to projections, retaining control of the city despite polls that had suggested a center‑left lead. Centre‑right candidate Simone Venturini secured nearly 51% of the vote, avoiding a runoff and defeating his main opponent, who received about 39%. The vote was seen as the government’s first major electoral test since a setback in a March justice referendum, and Meloni’s allies framed the result as a rebuttal to claims that her coalition was weakening. Other local races across Italy produced mixed outcomes, with the center‑right prevailing in Reggio Calabria while long‑time incumbents held on in Salerno and Messina.

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https://www.reuters.com/world/meloni-coalition-wins-venice-mayoral-vote-defying-polls-2026-05-25/