# Messina elections & De Luca's Sicilian regional push

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-messina-municipal-election
> Updated: 2026-09-10T10:36:19.000Z. Sources: 95. Developments: 47.

In May 2026, Messina held municipal elections where Federico Basile was re-elected with approximately 55.7% of the vote. His administration has since focused on tourism, infrastructure like the Porto di Tremestieri, and managing municipal labor disputes. 

Across Sicily, political maneuvering for the 2027 regional elections is intensifying. Cateno De Luca and his Sud Chiama Nord movement continue to expand their presence. In Catania, De Luca presented eight new candidates, maintaining a strategy to use three competitive lists to exceed a 20% threshold. By September 2026, De Luca announced that his movement would not run alone but intends to join a coalition, with a final decision on national political direction expected by late October. He continues to prioritize regional autonomy and administrative efficiency.

The center-right coalition is also refining its strategy. Giorgio Mulè, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, has officially ruled out a run for the Sicilian presidency, expressing support for Governor Renato Schifani while noting that candidate selection must be a collective coalition decision. 

On the center-left, the Democratic Party (PD) is accelerating internal discussions to define a candidate, with regional secretary Anthony Barbagallo suggesting that primaries may be necessary if consensus is not reached. Meanwhile, Ismaele La Vardera of the Controcorrente movement has confirmed his intention to run. Additionally, a trial has commenced in Palermo involving regional tourism assessor Elvira Amata regarding allegations of illicit favors involving public funding and employment; regional president Renato Schifani is among the witnesses listed by the defense.

## Claims

- 14 seats of the Messina Metropolitan Council were up for election. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The election for the Messina Metropolitan Council selected 14 councilors. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 'De Luca Sindaco di Sicilia' project presented its first twelve pioneer candidates. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The pioneer candidates are Giusy Badalamenti, Francesco Bondì, Antonio De Luca, Loredana Falcone, Giovanna Stefania Munafò, Mauro Pantò, Salvina Profita, Claudio Sala, Claudia Serio, Alfredo Siino, S​ (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The initiative plans to present up to four competitive electoral lists for the upcoming Sicilian regional elections. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Only mayors and municipal councilors of the 108 Messina metropolitan municipalities were eligible to vote. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Voter turnout was 82.81%, with 1,055 of 1,274 eligible administrators voting. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Sud Chiama Nord list obtained 7 seats with 40,339 weighted votes (45.03%). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Fratelli d'Italia secured 3 seats with 18,809 weighted votes (21%). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Democratic Party obtained 2 seats with 12,343 weighted votes (13.78%). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Lega received 7,103 weighted votes (7.93%) and secured 1 seat. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Grande Sicilia received 5,829 weighted votes (6.51%) and secured 1 seat. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Italy political landscape shifts amid electoral debates and coalition maneuvering

Italian politics faces multiple shifts: debates over Reggio Calabria by-elections, criticism of electoral preference laws, Cateno De Luca's 2027 coalition plans, and internal friction within the right-wing Futu

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-political-shifts-new-azione-secretary-and-de-lucas-coalition-plans

### 2026-09-06: Sicily regional updates: Catania urban projects and election news

Regional news from Sicily includes Catania's urban redevelopment debates, Cateno De Luca's new election candidates, and emergency service concerns in Siracusa.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/siracusa-hosts-literary-prizes-and-religious-commemorations

### 2026-09-05: Sicily political landscape shifts ahead of regional elections

Sicilian political maneuvering intensifies as Forza Italia's Giorgio Mulè declines a regional presidential bid while supporting Renato Schifani, and the PD seeks to finalize its own candidate.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giorgio-mul-discusses-sicilian-election-candidates-in-agrigento

### 2026-08-31: Cateno De Luca announces candidates for 2027 Sicilian regional elections

Cateno De Luca has announced candidates for three political lists in preparation for the 2027 Sicilian regional elections, finalizing a 24-person lineup for the Messina constituency.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-announces-candidates-for-2027-sicilian-regional-elections

### 2026-08-27: Sicily political landscape shifts ahead of regional elections

Political movements are shifting in Sicily as Filippo Iannelli joins Cateno De Luca’s ‘Sud Chiama Nord’, while Assembly President Gaetano Galvagno suggests De Luca could join the center-right coalition.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-political-landscape-shifts-ahead-of-regional-elections

### 2026-08-21: Sicily political landscape shifts ahead of regional elections

Sicilian political leaders discuss upcoming regional elections, with Nello Musumeci addressing candidate selection and Cateno De Luca proposing new political lists. Infrastructure concerns also surfaced.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-political-leaders-outline-strategies-for-regional-elections

### 2026-08-21: Cateno De Luca announces candidacy for Sicilian regional primaries

Cateno De Luca has announced his candidacy for the Sicilian presidency if the center-left coalition holds primary elections, sparking debate among coalition partners.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-announces-candidacy-for-sicilian-regional-primaries

### 2026-08-08: Cateno De Luca launches Sicilian regional election campaign

Cateno De Luca has unveiled the first 22 members of his

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-launches-campaign-for-sicilian-regional-elections

### 2026-07-29: Cateno De Luca unveils first twelve pioneer candidates for Sicily project

Cateno De Luca introduced twelve pioneer candidates for his 'De Luca Sindaco di Sicilia' project, targeting a network of local leaders and up to four electoral lists for Sicily's regional elections, with set 회원

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-expands-sicily-political-movement-ahead-of-regional-elections

### 2026-07-27: Messina Metropolitan Council election gives Sud Chiama Nord 7 of 14 seats

Messina's Metro Council election saw Sud Chiama Nord win 7 of 14 seats; turnout was 82.8% among local officials.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-metropolitan-council-elects-14-members

### 2026-07-20: Messina City Council Faces Municipal Workers Salary Dispute and Potential Strike

Messina municipal employees dispute unpaid accessory salaries; unions plan a July 31 strike, while CISL awaits a labour court ruling on the city's unilateral contract change.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-city-council-faces-municipal-workers-salary-dispute-and-potential-strike

### 2026-07-18: Cateno De Luca launches 'Governo di Liberazione' and shifts negotiations to Rome

Cateno De Luca’s Sud chiama Nord convened a packed Palermo convention, launched the ‘Governo di Liberazione’ ten‑point plan and announced that negotiations will shift to Rome as the movement seeks a national‑sp

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-calls-for-early-elections-and-new-government-of-liberation-in-sicily

### 2026-07-17: Cateno De Luca accused of seeking to split Italy's centre‑left

Palmira Mancuso says Cateno De Luca wants to split Italy's centre‑left, highlighting internal political tensions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-accused-of-seeking-to-split-italys-centreleft

### 2026-07-16: Messina municipal workers protest unpaid wages and contract delays

Messina municipal and metropolitan employees protest unpaid salaries, delayed contract upgrades and perceived bonuses for officials, prompting councilor and union leaders to demand action.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-municipal-workers-protest-unpaid-wages-and-contract-delays

### 2026-07-16: Messina City Council finalizes commission appointments under Mayor Federico Basile

Messina’s city council installed all eight permanent commissions, giving the mayor’s supporting majority all presidencies and starting work on TARI exemptions; the second vice‑presidency remains undecided.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-city-council-finalises-all-eight-commission-presidencies

### 2026-07-13: Calogero Brancatelli elected head of Messina council Public Works commission

Messina councillors Calogero Brancatelli and Mirko Cantello were elected presidents of the Public Works and Budget commissions, sparking debate over vice‑president assignments and a new €4 million budget plan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calogero-brancatelli-elected-head-of-messina-council-public-works-commission

### 2026-07-08: Filippo Nasca appointed head of Sicily's Extraregional Affairs department

Filippo Nasca was appointed director general of Sicily's Extraregional Affairs department, succeeding Margherita Rizza, with council approval on President Renato Schifani's proposal.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/filippo-nasca-appointed-head-of-sicilys-extraregional-affairs-department

### 2026-07-07: Messina Metropolitan Council election candidates confirmed for July 27 vote

Messina's Metropolitan Council election on 27 July, voted by 1,272 local officials, features six party lists and weighted voting to decide council responsibilities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-metropolitan-council-election-six-party-lists-filed-for-july-27-vote

### 2026-07-05: Sicily hosts cultural forum and tax‑incentive meeting to boost regional development

Sicily held a cultural forum on identity in Gela and a meeting on the new Super ZES tax‑incentive zone in Taormina, signaling a regional push to blend cultural promotion with economic development.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-pushes-super-zes-tax-zone-for-sicilian-firms

### 2026-07-01: Cateno De Luca unveils 10‑point plan for Palermo

Cateno De Luca’s Sud Chiama Nord unveiled a ten‑point governance plan for Palermo, highlighting financial, administrative and security reforms, with a mayoral candidate to be named on 4 October.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-unveils-10point-plan-for-palermo

### 2026-06-29: Sicily's progressive coalition launches program talks ahead of regional election

Sicily's progressive 'Campo largo' coalition met in Palermo to draft a joint program and set priorities before picking a regional election candidate, stressing unity and refusing candidate trades.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicilys-progressive-coalition-launches-program-talks-ahead-of-regional-election

### 2026-06-27: Cateno De Luca rallies southern Italy for autonomy ahead of 2027 election

Cateno De Luca urged southern Italy autonomy, promoted the Super Zes investment plan, and received praise from Interior Minister Piantedosi during a Campania meeting.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-rallies-southern-italy-for-autonomy-ahead-of-2027-election

### 2026-06-25: Italy's Guardia di Finanza marks 252nd anniversary; municipal police swears in new agents

Guardia di Finanza marks its 252nd anniversary with major fraud seizures, while municipal police in Messina and Napoli swear in dozens of new officers to boost local security.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-municipal-police-swears-in-22-new-officers

### 2026-06-24: Sicily advances regional leadership reform and sees Five Star candidate announce presidential bid

Five Star leader Nuccio Di Paola declares his candidacy for Sicily’s presidency while the regional assembly passes a reform to merge directorate tiers and recruit 156 new managers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-advances-regional-leadership-reform-and-sees-five-star-candidate-announce-presidential-bid

### 2026-06-23: Sicily centre‑right leaders clash over granita invite and airport sale dispute

Sicily’s centre‑right faces internal disputes: De Luca questions Minardo’s granita invite, while D’Agostino attacks the Lega mayor’s legality and the Catania airport sale.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-centreright-leaders-clash-over-granita-invite-and-airport-sale-dispute

### 2026-06-20: Messina adopts 2026‑28 budget and prepares new Basile‑led municipal cabinet

Messina's council approved the 2026‑28 budget and Dup for financial recovery, while Mayor Basile prepares a new cabinet with a focus on turnover and youth policy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-adopts-202628-budget-and-prepares-new-basileled-municipal-cabinet

### 2026-06-20: Cateno De Luca's Sud Chiama Nord set to join Palermo council as centre‑right coalition reshapes

Cateno De Luca’s Sud Chiama Nord will join the Palermo council on 1 July, reshaping the mayor’s majority as Sicily’s centre‑right parties push for tighter coordination after recent electoral setbacks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-lucas-sud-chiama-nord-set-to-join-palermo-council-as-centreright-coalition-reshapes

### 2026-06-18: Messina municipal council election results confirmed after verification

Messina’s municipal council election results were verified; 22 councillors were confirmed, with “Sud chiama Nord” winning seven seats and mayor Federico Basile’s lists securing a majority prize.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-municipal-council-election-results-confirmed-after-verification

### 2026-06-16: Forza Italia grapples with local disputes in Catanzaro and Caltanissetta

Forza Italia councilors in Catanzaro raised sanitation and governance issues with the prefect, while ex‑assessor Marcello Mirisola demanded clarification of an alleged mandate in Caltanissetta.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/forza-italia-grapples-with-local-disputes-in-catanzaro-and-caltanissetta

### 2026-06-15: Messina municipal council installs new Prima Municipalità leadership as Basile government nears formation

Messina’s new Prima Municipalità council was sworn in, with Enzo Messina among six presidents, while Mayor Basile’s cabinet is being finalized, retaining six assessors and considering a youth portfolio.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-municipal-council-installs-new-prima-municipalit-leadership-as-basile-government-nears-forma

### 2026-06-15: UIL calls for action to stop sabotage of Messina's Porto di Tremestieri

UIL Messina accuses officials of sabotaging the Porto di Tremestieri, urging mayor Basile to reconvene the stakeholder table and secure funding to finish the port.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uil-calls-for-action-to-stop-sabotage-of-messinas-porto-di-tremestieri

### 2026-06-14: Messina Mayor Basile warns against sidelining mayors in Italy's port reform

Messina mayor Federico Basile says excluding mayors from Italy's port reform would be a grave institutional and political mistake, urging local involvement in decisions affecting the city's port.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-mayor-basile-warns-against-sidelining-mayors-in-italys-port-reform

### 2026-06-13: Cateno De Luca launches candidate selection for Sicily regional elections

Cateno De Luca, head of Sud chiama Nord, opened a transparent selection process for Sicily regional election candidates, rejecting late entries and outlining an autonomous, civic, progressive program; the list

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-launches-candidate-selection-for-sicily-regional-elections

### 2026-06-12: Messina Mayor Federico Basile prepares summer beaches and backs local tennis tournament

Mayor Federico Basile coordinated summer beach plans and attended the ITF Messina tennis final, drawing 3,500 fans and promoting local sport and tourism.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-mayor-federico-basile-prepares-summer-beaches-and-backs-local-tennis-tournament

### 2026-06-12: Silvio Berlusconi’s legacy urged to revitalize Forza Italia in Sicily

Forza Italia deputy Nicola D’Agostino urges the party to revive Silvio Berlusconi’s political style to regain influence in Sicily, citing his historic impact on Italy’s parties and electorate.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/silvio-berlusconis-legacy-urged-to-revitalize-forza-italia-in-sicily

### 2026-06-12: Forza Italia Sicily Struggles for Leadership After Berlusconi’s Death

Forza Italia in Sicily faces a leadership crisis after Berlusconi’s death, losing representation in recent elections and sparring over a new regional coordinator ahead of 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/forza-italia-sicily-struggles-for-leadership-after-berlusconis-death

### 2026-06-11: Cateno De Luca drives Sicilian party power struggles in Messina and Palermo

Sicily sees internal party clashes as Messina’s new mayoral council stalls and Cateno De Luca announces a “government of liberation” in Palermo, targeting current mayor Lagalla.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cateno-de-luca-drives-sicilian-party-power-struggles-in-messina-and-palermo

### 2026-06-09: Forza Italia faces setback in Messina local elections, calls for party unity

Centre‑right parties assess Sicily’s municipal vote: Democrazia Cristiana lauds local wins while Forza Italia’s sub‑5% Messina result prompts calls for unity and better coordination.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/forza-italia-faces-setback-in-messina-local-elections-calls-for-party-unity

### 2026-06-09: Forza Italia Sicily Leader Nino Minardo Calls for Party Overhaul After Election Setback

Forza Italia’s Sicilian commissioner Nino Minardo says internal feuds and scandals caused the party’s election loss and urges a complete leadership overhaul.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/forza-italia-sicily-leader-nino-minardo-calls-for-party-overhaul-after-election-setback

### 2026-06-04: Messina Mayor Federico Basile Announces New Municipal Council

Messina mayor Federico Basile, re‑elected with 58.42%, confirmed six assessors and plans new youth portfolio amid regional election dynamics.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-towns-wrestle-with-candidate-choices-and-new-municipal-cabinets

### 2026-06-04: Italian municipal runoffs heat up in Legnano and Agrigento

Runoffs in Legnano and Agrigento see mayoral battles intensify, with social‑media tactics in Legnano and mutual accusations over cannabis investments in Agrigento.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-municipal-runoffs-heat-up-in-legnano-and-agrigento

### 2026-06-03: Sicily runoffs and Messina council battle shape Italy's municipal elections

Runoff votes in three Sicilian towns and a disputed council seat in Messina highlight tight races between centre‑right parties in Italy's municipal elections.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-runoffs-and-messina-council-battle-shape-italys-municipal-elections

### 2026-05-25: Giuseppe Di Mare wins re‑election as mayor of Augusta, Sicily

Giuseppe Di Mare was re‑elected mayor of Augusta, Sicily, winning roughly 56% of the vote (4,992 votes) with 61% turnout, securing a council majority and pledging to advance the port, blue‑economy projects and

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giuseppe-di-mare-wins-reelection-as-mayor-of-augusta-sicily

### 2026-05-25: Federico Basile Re‑elected Mayor of Messina with Over 55% in First Round

Federico Basile reclaimed the mayoralty of Messina with about 55% of votes in the first round, amid 61.9% turnout; regional deputy Pippo Lombardo hailed the result as a reward for continuity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/federico-basile-reelected-mayor-of-messina-with-over-55-in-first-round

### 2026-05-25: Giuseppe Cangialosi re‑elected mayor of Santa Cristina Gela in Sicily municipal elections

Giuseppe Cangialosi was re‑elected mayor of Santa Cristina Gela, Sicily, after a 50 % quorum in the 2026 municipal elections, promising tourism, youth and agricultural development.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giuseppe-cangialosi-reelected-mayor-of-santa-cristina-gela-in-sicily-municipal-elections

### 2026-05-25: Messina municipal election 2026 records higher voter numbers despite lower turnout rate

Messina's 2026 municipal vote saw 87,598 voters (46.46% turnout), about 10,000 more than in 2022, with runoff planned for June 7‑8.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/messina-municipal-election-2026-records-higher-voter-numbers-despite-lower-turnout-rate

### 2026-05-23: 2026 Italian municipal elections in Messina and Senigallia

May 24‑25, 2026 municipal elections in Messina (799 candidates, possible June runoff) and Senigallia (three mayoral candidates, exit poll with student involvement) are underway in Italy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/2026-italian-municipal-elections-in-messina-and-senigallia

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Cite as: Messina elections & De Luca's Sicilian regional push. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-messina-municipal-election