*By Carmine Sanasi*
On June 23, the citizens of Lecce will be called to the polls again to decide who will lead the city between Adriana Poli Bortone and Carlo Salvemini. The first round of the municipal elections saw a surprising result: Poli Bortone, affectionately called “l’Adriana” by the people of Lecce, obtained a 3% advantage over Salvemini, despite interference from the local branches of the Emilian system.
Adriana Poli Bortone has demonstrated her charisma and her ability to attract consensus, proposing herself as the necessary alternative for a radical change in Lecce. Her long political career and her experience were rewarded by voters, who saw in her the promise of a new vision for the city. Poli Bortone has clearly highlighted the need for strong and decisive leadership to face the economic, social and environmental challenges that will emerge in the Lecce to come.
On the other hand, Carlo Salvemini, the outgoing mayor, has seen his support decrease significantly. After seven years leading the city, many citizens have expressed dissatisfaction with his management. Despite the result of the first round, Salvemini decided to continue his race, hoping to recover ground in view of the run-off, but criticism of his administration was numerous and severe.
The ballot on 23 June represents a crucial moment for Lecce. Adriana Poli Bortone launched an appeal to citizens for a “plebiscite” of support, asking for a massive vote to guarantee a change of direction in the leadership of the city. Her campaign is centered on the promise of renewal and the desire to bring new energy and an innovative vision to city management.
The political climate in Lecce is full of expectations. The choice between Adriana Poli Bortone and Carlo Salvemini is not just a comparison between two candidates, but between two opposing visions for the future of the city. Participation in the vote will be decisive for the future of Lecce. Poli Bortone represents the opportunity for significant change, with the aim of solving the city’s problems with decision and competence.
The challenge between Adriana Poli Bortone and Carlo Salvemini is much more than a simple electoral confrontation. It is a crossroads for Lecce, a choice between continuity and renewal. The citizens of Lecce now have the opportunity to express their preference and determine the direction the city will take in the coming years, choosing a leadership that promises to lead Lecce towards a better and more prosperous future.
