It was necessary to wait until 7pm last night to see the turnout figure for the European elections in the Province of Lecco exceed the fateful threshold of 50%. In detail, only 50.80% of the 272,750 eligible voters actually went to the polls. The drop, compared to the 2019 elections, is three percentage points. On May 26 of that year, in fact, at the same time 53.70% of voters had voted.
«The data is worrying – underlines Manuel Tropenscovino, provincial secretary of the Democratic Party – It is clear that more and more people no longer believe in politics, especially politics far from everyday life, which does not solve problems but often creates them. It is a defeat for everyone, especially because the next five years in Europe will be a fundamental transition for many issues.”
At the close of the polls, in 2019 the definitive turnout in the province of Lecco was 66.76%. A quota that this time could prove unattainable.
«Let’s see the definitive data. – he adds Alessandro Negri, provincial secretary of the Brothers of Italy – The last time the vote was on May 26th, with schools still open. Of course, people vote with less passion but I don’t think there is a perception of the European Union as something distant.”
In fact, in Oggiono, the town where Negri is running for mayor, the turnout at the European elections at 7pm was 58.42%. Thirteen points more than Lecco, where only 45.44% had gone to the polls. Furthermore, among the municipalities with the highest turnout are Parlasco with 76.98%, Colle Brianza with 68.09% and Cremella with 65.38%.
«With the European elections – he comments Daniele Butti, provincial secretary of the League – it is increasingly difficult than usual to have broad participation, almost as if what happens in Brussels were something that concerns us less. Since this is not the case in reality, I hope that in the end the turnout figure will be good. The many local elections for our province are acting as a driving force.”
A question of dignity
An opinion also shared by Roberto Gagliardi. «It is evident – comments the provincial secretary of Forza Italia – the disaffection of the electorate in the Municipalities where they only voted for the European elections. The percentage is higher in the municipalities where administrative elections were also held.”
«I hope that turnout can increase again before the polls close – he said last night – This would give greater dignity and strength to the new European government and to the many new mayors about to begin their mandate».
Among the municipalities with the lowest turnout are Sueglio (18.61%), Esino Lario (28.89%) and Colico (32.86%).
«The universal right to vote – is the analysis of Eleonora Lavelli, provincial secretary of Action – is a recent achievement, it seems to be taken for granted, with the result that it is a minority of the minority that decides the fate of countries and Europe of citizens. There will be those who are disheartened, those who are fed up with politics or who are simply ill or on holiday.
