for mayor-worker Marco Fioravanti, he is deeply attached to the small statue of the saint he holds in his hand. The town hall sits as the first touchstone when he settles at his desk. In explaining a late arrival to a newspaper interview, he offers a simple apology, saying, “Forgive me for being late. I was at the funeral of an elderly neighbor.” Fioravanti projects a strong right-leaning stance inside Ascoli Piceno, a historic district in central Italy, where trauma offshore has left its mark. Across Italy, peers and associates in the same movement accelerated its rise to local influence. Seated in his well-kept office, Fioravanti recalls a bygone era when subsidies flowed into the region’s industries and young people stayed home. He frames this nostalgia as a dream, a hope that a new leader could revive it: Giorgia Meloni, currently the most favored figure to win Sunday’s elections in Italy.
Fioravanti smiles when thinking about his past. He chose the political right some years ago and has no regrets. At thirty-nine, shaped by the early loss of his father, he carries a measured, almost calculating temperament and a conviction forged since he was nineteen, when he began work in a rubber pipe plant. He recounts nights spent on the watch in a multinational factory, only to lose his job when that company relocated. That shift pushed him deeper into politics. In 2009 he was elected to the city council of Ascoli, and by 2019 he became the first mayor from the Brothers of Italy in his city. A year later, a regional government also came under the influence of a coalition led by his party.
Marco Fioravanti, Mayor of Ascoli Piceno, stands as a focal figure in a broader narrative. Irene Savio
On closer inspection, the ascent appears as a decisive move with wide consequences for the country. The rise of a political force and its effect on governance is visible in the months following his victory, including a controversial dinner that marked an anniversary tied to Italy’s fraught modern history. The gathering included symbols associated with a difficult past, stirring dialogue and debate instead of dampening popularity. By many assessments, he maintained a high level of public support, ranking among the most trusted mayors in the nation. Fioravanti notes that his experience in the factory sector reinforced a belief that genuine change comes from being inside the system and that supporting businesses helps create jobs and lift communities. He frames the right as an option that carries social responsibility and a guarantee of basic protections for all.
The ongoing debate on reproductive rights
In a period marked by social tension, a message about family and the structure of society remains central. The debate over reproductive policies continues to shape public dialogue, particularly around access to abortion. An interview with a social worker who has long studied demographic trends reveals a complex landscape. The region’s government recently restricted certain practices in 2021, while national law allows the use of abortion pills up to a defined point in pregnancy. The broader context includes shortages of public clinics assisting women seeking abortions and a high rate of conscientious objection among gynecologists. Some regions report that a significant portion of medical staff declare themselves unwilling to perform abortions, a situation that fuels calls for more resources and expanded contraceptive measures.
According to national health statistics, the region records lower abortion rates than the national average, while some localities show high mobility of women seeking to terminate pregnancies outside the region. Analysts connect this to broader policies aimed at halting depopulation and keeping young people from relocating in search of opportunity elsewhere in Italy or Europe. The phenomenon reflects both native Italians and immigrant communities, signaling a shared challenge across diverse populations.
Nevertheless, while abortion remains a highly contentious issue, it is not the only concern raised by NGOs and civic groups. A feminist advocate notes that resources for workers and the most vulnerable segments of society have faced cuts, while attacks on minorities, including LGBTI+ communities and immigrants, have increased. The regional narrative over recent years bears witness to these tensions, with emphasis on the need for more inclusive policies and stronger social safety nets.