Vincenzo De Luca, a prominent figure within the Democratic Party, arrived in Lecco on Sunday to publicly endorse Mayor Mauro Gattinoni’s bid for a second term. The President of the Campania Region, 76, prioritized a meeting with the current mayor before attending the Unit Festival in Imebersago. This visit underscores the growing importance of local endorsements in the upcoming elections.

Praises for Mayor Gattinoni’s Leadership

“He is a very good mayor,” De Luca commented. “He comes from the world of production, small business and crafts, and that is positive news for the Democratic Party.” De Luca emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to strengthen its ties with the business community, noting that Gattinoni’s experience is a valuable asset. he also highlighted the current administration’s meaningful investment-tens of millions of Euros-in urban redevelopment projects funded by the Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR), Italy’s national recovery and resilience plan.

Upcoming Elections and Proposed Electoral Changes

local elections in Lecco are anticipated between mid-April and mid-June. However, proposed legislative changes currently under parliamentary review threaten to alter the election process. A bill put forward by the center-right coalition aims to eliminate runoff elections if a candidate secures at least 40% of the vote in the first round. Analysts suggest that under this rule, Peppino Ciresa, the center-right candidate in the 2020 municipal elections, would have been declared the winner, sparking concerns about fair portrayal.

De Luca Condemns Proposed Ballot Reform

De Luca sharply criticized the proposed reform, labeling it a “clever maneuver” intended to disadvantage political opponents. he argued that limiting the possibility for a second round of voting undermines democratic principles and restricts citizens’ ability to choose their leaders. He characterized the proposal as “unacceptable, unclean, and disrespectful” to voters.

De Luca in Lecco supporting Gattinoni
Vincenzo De Luca expresses his support for Mayor Mauro Gattinoni in Lecco.

Lecco and Mantua stand as the only two provincial capitals in Lombardy scheduled to hold elections in the spring of 2026, making these races particularly significant for regional power dynamics.

Call for Renewal Within the Democratic Party

De Luca concluded by emphasizing the need for significant renewal within the Democratic Party, both in leadership and platform.While he acknowledged the importance of building broad coalitions, he stressed that such alliances alone are insufficient for electoral success. He believes a compelling program capable of attracting widespread support is essential,particularly regarding issues such as public administration reform,judicial efficiency,and regional autonomy. “From this point of view I continue to detect some critical issues, starting from the relationship with the Catholic world,” De Luca stated, pointing to specific areas where the party needs to strengthen its outreach and policy focus.

Following a brief aperitif, De Luca departed for Imebersago, where he participated in an interview with journalist Maria Teresa Meli from Corriere della Sera, engaging a large audience despite inclement weather.