Regional elections in Veneto, Luca Zaia: "If the candidate isn't a member of the Northern League, it will be a problem." All the scenarios

Venice, September 21, 2025 – "If the candidate isn't from the League, it will be a problem ." Clear words, loaded with political significance, were spoken by Luca Zaia from the stage in Pontida . The governor of Veneto, in his third and final term, is not backing down, but is instead relaunching: for the race to lead the region, the League has a name and surname— Alberto Stefani —and on that, says Zaia, "we need respect and consistency with what we've done so far." The die of dates has been cast: voting will take place on November 23 and 24, but within the center-right, the picture remains far from clear.

The post-Zaia game

The issue has been on the majority's table for months, but no clear solution has been forthcoming. Matteo Salvini insists: after three successful terms , the League has every right to nominate Zaia's successor. And the name on the table is Stefani , 39, a member of parliament and deputy federal secretary of the Northern League, formerly mayor of Borgoricco. A young candidate, rooted in the local area and close to Salvini's party line , he intends to play his cards right. Strengthened by national consensus and an increasingly widespread presence in local governments, Prime Minister Meloni's party continues to eye with interest the prospect of leading one of the key regions of Northern Italy. Two names are circulating: Senator Luca De Carlo , former president of the Agriculture Committee and a staunch supporter of the Prime Minister, or Raffaele Speranzon, a rising star among Meloni's supporters in Veneto.

Zaia goes straight ahead

From the Lega Nord platform, Zaia appears determined: "Asking for a League candidate in Veneto," he said, "is not lèse-majesté. It's simply common sense and coherence with an administration that has delivered results, efficiency, and institutional credibility." The current president hasn't formally blessed Stefani's candidacy, but his position is clear: " He's our candidate , then we'll see what the discussion decides." Zaia's message comes just as center-right leaders are trying to iron out their differences . No one, not even in Rome, wants to imagine Veneto as the scene of an irreparable rift in the coalition. But time is running out, and ambitions are not lacking.

The center-left is trying to capitalize on the impasse

While the center-right is nibbling away at the daisy, the center-left is trying to capitalize on the impasse. The coalition officially announced the candidacy of Giovanni Manildo, a lawyer and well-known figure in local politics, months ago. A former mayor of Treviso, representing the Democratic Party , Manildo is taking on the challenge of his life in a region that hasn't given the center-left a break for thirty years. But the Democratic candidate is aiming to capture the moderate and civic-minded vote that, especially in urban areas, could make a difference.

The scenarios

While awaiting a final decision—which will likely be postponed until October at this point—the landscape remains unclear. The League is raising its voice, the Brothers of Italy are resisting, Forza Italia is observing cautiously, and the center-left is preparing its campaign. Veneto, once again, confirms its role as a national political laboratory. But breaking the deadlock requires a synthesis. And right now, it's nowhere in sight.