Reggio Calabria by-election: Center-left candidate leads center-right in tight race

The upcoming by-election in Reggio Calabria has become a significant political test for Italy's center-right coalition. Recent confidential polling suggests that Frank Benedetto, the center-left candidate, holds a narrow one-point lead over Fabio Roscioli, the center-right candidate.

The competition is complicated by the candidacy of Domenico Giannetta, who is running with the support of Futuro Nazionale and Vannacci, outside the main center-right coalition. This split is viewed as a potential drain on the traditional center-right voter base.

Fabio Roscioli has addressed local controversies, stating he accepted the candidacy to help the territory and clarifying that he does not intend to run for re-election in Calabria in future political cycles. Meanwhile, Frank Benedetto has called for the full transfer of functions and resources to the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, arguing that the current delay in regional resource allocation hinders local development and services.