Italy sees new local party leadership, funding cuts and council disputes

The Democratic Party in Siena renamed its provincial secretariat, appointing Nico Bartalini as secretary and presenting a youthful executive of fifteen members. Bartalini called for an immediate meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the future of Monte dei Paschi di Siena.

In Rome, the Union of the Centre (UDC) held its national council at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, featuring the Puglia delegation led by Gianfranco Chiarelli. The party announced its national festival for 12‑13 September 2026 and reiterated its priorities on electoral law, housing, work, youth opportunities, innovation and digitisation.

Mayor Antonio De Luca of Pignola protested a regional decision that reduced the Potenza urban area budget from €15 million to €9 million, warning that the cut threatens projects such as a historic‑centre parking facility designed to improve tourist access.

In Corridonia, council members debated the incompatibility of mayor Umberto Spalletti after an audit revealed excess allowances of about €36 000, prompting a vote on initiating incompatibility proceedings.

Mayor Marco Galiano of Trani and the local Democratic Party demanded transparent criteria for the allocation of provincial funds after revisions to the three‑year public‑works programme. They called on the provincial president to publish the criteria and priorities that led to Trani’s exclusion from the latest funding round.