Italian premier Meloni’s coalition suffers setbacks in two regional elections

Stefania Proietti, left, who won 51% of the vote in Umbria, celebrates with Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, right (Roberto Settonce/LaPresse via AP)

Italy’s premier Giorgia Meloni suffered election setbacks in two regions as the opposition Democratic party won a tight race in the central Umbria region and deepened its control of the traditional left-leaning stronghold of Emilia-Romagna.

The results of the two days of voting that ended on Monday were a clear victory for Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, who called the outcome “extraordinary”.