Meloni-Backed Candidate Wins Bellwether Regional Election

Incumbent Francesco Acquaroli, an ally of Giorgia Meloni, is projected to win the election for the next governor of Marche, in a boost for the Italian prime minister ahead of a number of electoral contests.

Acquaroli is in the lead with about 51% of the vote in the closely watched regional election, projections by state broadcaster RAI show. Final numbers were subject to change as counting was still underway Monday afternoon.