It is an unfortunate historical fact that marks the 2024 European elections in Italy: less than half of the voters went to the polls, highlighting a growing disaffection towards the European institutions, if not even, more generally, to vote. With the exception of 2004 and 1999, turnout in the European elections has recorded a constant and progressive decline over the years. This year, turnout at the close of voting stood at 49.7%, five percentage points less than in the previous electoral round in 2019, when participation was 54.5%. And it is in the South that abstentionism prevailed most markedly, with a turnout percentage that reached worrying levels.
Sicily and Sardinia
In Sardinia and Sicily, for example, a participation rate of less than 40% was recorded, while in Calabria it just exceeded 40%. In Basilicata, Puglia and Campania, turnout stood at around 43%, while Abruzzo and Molise recorded 47% and 48% respectively. Numbers that seem to paint an entirely (or almost) Italian picture. Data from other European Union member states confirm a slightly positive trend, with voter turnout standing at around 51%, slightly higher than the 50.7% in 2019.
The League conquers Patriciello’s Isernia
Isernia, in Molise, is the land of victory for the League, according to partial data released by YouTrend. At the moment, it is the only province where Matteo Salvini’s party is in the lead. A result largely due to the contribution of MEP Aldo Patriciello, who has already collected over 3 thousand preferences (more than one for every two votes in the Northern League), and could have the possibility of going, or rather returning, to Strasbourg. Broadening our gaze, Fratelli d’Italia appears to be the leading party in 12 regions. Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Campania, Puglia and Basilicata are colored, however, the red of the Democratic Party.
Forza Italia takes Sicily and Calabria
Forza Italia, however, is the leading party in Sicily with a surprising 23%: a percentage which is more than double that obtained at a national level. With just 500 seats out of 5,304 still to be counted, the party led by Antonio Tajani leads by a solid 4-point margin over Fratelli d’Italia. In the centre-left field, the M5S exceeds the PD by one and a half points, recording an encouraging 16% against 14.5%. Meanwhile, the League is gaining ground, approaching 8% support. Forza Italia also takes the lead in Calabria.
It’s a celebration in the headquarters of the Councilor for Productive Activities Edy Tamajo, in the seaside village of Mondello, in Palermo: «This success is the fruit of hard work, dedication and support from our voters. Thanks to all of you, today we celebrate a victory that represents not only a recognition of our commitment, but also a new beginning for the future of our community”, comments Tamajo, close to the governor Renato Schifani, who thus wins the comparison with his colleague of the junta and the party Falcone, Maurizio Gasparri’s dolphin in Sicily.
