Politics · Italy · 2 hrs ago
Bologna centre-right considers primaries to choose 2027 mayoral candidate
Bologna’s centre-right has not agreed on a candidate for the 2027 mayoral election.
The lack of agreement has revived discussion of primaries, in which voters help choose a candidate.
Forza Italia councillor Valentina Castaldini says her party is ready for them if the national coalition supports the idea.
League leader Matteo Salvini also backs primaries where the parties have not settled on candidates, but Bologna League secretary Valeria Gamberini says they could fuel conflict.
Brothers of Italy has kept out of the debate, though Senate President Ignazio La Russa says primaries would not be a disaster.
Choices in five major cities are linked through the national centre-right coalition, so decisions about Milan and other cities could influence Bologna; no final choice or timetable is given.
Bologna’s centre-right is considering primaries to choose its candidate for the 2027 mayoral election.
The discussion has returned amid a prolonged deadlock over selecting a candidate and debate about primaries in Milan.
Forza Italia regional councillor Valentina Castaldini says her party is ready to take part if national leaders back primaries.
Lega leader Matteo Salvini supports holding primaries in cities where the coalition has not chosen a candidate.
The Bologna branch of the Lega opposes the idea, while Fratelli d’Italia has kept a cautious distance.
- Who
- Bologna’s centre-right parties, including Forza Italia, the Lega and Fratelli d’Italia.
- What
- The coalition is considering primaries to choose its candidate for mayor.
- When
- For the 2027 municipal elections. The article was published on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- Bologna, Italy.
- Why
- The centre-right is deadlocked over selecting a candidate, and debate about primaries in Milan has revived the idea.
Matteo Salvini and Forza Italia
Valeria Gamberini and the Bologna branch of the Lega
Use of primaries
Matteo Salvini and Forza Italia
Salvini says primaries should be held in cities where the centre-right has not settled on candidates; Forza Italia says it is ready if national leaders choose that route.
Valeria Gamberini and the Bologna branch of the Lega
Gamberini considers primaries “not very sensible” and says the centre-right should reach agreement on its ideas and vision.
Purpose and risks
Matteo Salvini and Forza Italia
Supporters say primaries let citizens decide; Castaldini says they should not become a tool for division.
Valeria Gamberini and the Bologna branch of the Lega
Gamberini warns they risk becoming a source of conflict rather than discussion.
Debate about primaries in Milan prompted renewed discussion of the idea in Bologna.
Corriere della Sera reported that Bologna’s centre-right was again discussing primaries for the 2027 mayoral candidate.
Bologna is due to hold municipal elections.
- Election year
- 2027
- City
- Bologna
- Forza Italia position
- Ready for primaries if national leaders support them
- Lega leader’s position
- Salvini backs primaries in cities without agreed candidates
- Bologna Lega position
- Gamberini calls the idea not very sensible
What people are saying
Let’s hold them in Milan, let’s hold them in Bologna, let’s hold them in Turin. Let’s hold them wherever people are asking for them.
If at the national level the parties consider primaries the way to go, our proposal is solid and we are ready.
I find the idea of primaries not very sensible.
If there were primaries, it would not be a disaster.
Sources
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