Regional Council Seats Spark Competition in Taranto Province
TARANTO, ITALY – A scramble for regional council seats is intensifying in the province of Taranto as potential candidates from across the political spectrum begin positioning themselves for the upcoming elections. the contest promises a reshuffling of representation for the area, with both established figures and new faces vying for influence in Bari.
The upcoming regional elections are critical for Taranto, a province grappling with industrial challenges and environmental concerns.The composition of the regional council will directly impact policy decisions affecting local industries, environmental remediation efforts, and economic advancement initiatives. Several current and former regional councilors are considering bids, alongside city officials and representatives from various parties, setting the stage for a competitive race.
On the center-left,outgoing councilors Enzo Di Gregorio and donato Pentassuglia (both Democratic Party) are potential candidates. Current councilor Mino Borraccino (Pd) is also expected to seek re-election. Michele Mazzarano, another outgoing councilor, may pursue a candidacy outside the Democratic Party. City councilor Francesco What, regional vice president Francesca Viggiano, and Taranto Vice Mayor Mattia Day (Pd) are also considered potential contenders. Taranto City Council President Gianni Liviano (Demos), a former regional councilor, is also weighing a run, as is current regional councilor Gianfranco Lopane, potentially representing a separate movement. The 5Stelle Movement will finalize its candidate selection in the coming days, with Gianni Azzaro and Giampiero Mancarelli – both former Democratic Party members – as possible nominees, though a third term for Marco Galante is considered unlikely.
The center-right is also actively identifying candidates, with Renato Perrini (Fratelli d’Italia), Massimiliano di Cuia (Forza Italia), Antonio Scalera, and Giacomo Conserva (Lega) emerging as frontrunners. Massimiliano Stellato, recently switching from the center-left to Forza Italia, is also in the mix. New proposals include city councilor Giampaolo Vietri and lawyer matilde Percolla (both Fratelli d’Italia).
