ROME — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni experienced electoral disappointments in two regions, as the opposition Democratic Party secured a narrow victory in Umbria and bolstered its presence in the traditionally leftist Emilia-Romagna region.

The results from the two-day voting period that concluded on Monday represent a significant triumph for Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein, who described the outcome as “extraordinary.”

In Umbria, candidate Stefania Proietti emerged victorious with 51% of the votes, while the conservative coalition’s candidate garnered 46%. Meanwhile, in Emilia-Romagna, the left’s Michele de Pascale achieved a remarkable 57% support, marking an improvement from the party’s previous 51% in the 2020 regional elections.

Notably, the Democratic Party candidates succeeded without backing from the Five Star Movement, which has been part of a somewhat unstable center-left coalition.

Looking ahead, Meloni faces a more significant electoral challenge in 2025, when six regions, including the densely populated northern Veneto, will hold elections. This region has a history of being governed by the populist League, a vital component of her ruling coalition. Recently, Meloni’s coalition managed to maintain control of the Ligurian region during a by-election triggered by the resignation of a right-wing governor amidst a scandal.