Salerno heads to the polls on May 24 and 25 for administrative elections, featuring the candidacy of Vincenzo De Luca. The former president of the Campania region and former four-time mayor of Salerno—who held the office between 1993 and 2015—is seeking a return to the city’s leadership. His current campaign is characterized by a high-profile, individualistic approach that notably excludes national party symbols and explicit endorsements from national leadership.
The path to this candidacy followed the sudden resignation of former mayor Vincenzo Napoli, who stepped down before his term concluded. De Luca’s immediate response to the news was to declare that “the recess is over.” This timing led some local political figures to suggest that Napoli had served as a placeholder for De Luca, though both men have denied any formal agreement. Napoli, a longtime collaborator who previously served as De Luca’s deputy mayor and head of political secretariat, cited “new political scenarios that require radical changes” when resigning, while offering thanks to his predecessor.
A Campaign of Provocation and Persona
De Luca has utilized a communication style defined by hyperbolic rhetoric and caustic sarcasm, a method that gained him significant visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. By embracing his own public image—often amplified by media parodies—he employs a mix of institutional and colloquial language to maintain engagement. He has framed his return as essential, claiming he is the one who brought nightlife to Salerno and envisioning the city’s future as the “Montecarlo of Italy,” complete with a seven-kilometer beach comparable to Copacabana.
His approach toward the seven other candidates, including Franco Massimo Lanocita and Gherardo Maria Marenghi, has been equally blunt. De Luca has characterized his opponents as “Swedish tourists who ended up here by chance” and suggested that some are “truly illiterate.” He has expressed confidence in the outcome, claiming that voters will not see his political opponents again after the election.
Implications for the Local Political Landscape
The friction surrounding the campaign reached a point where the prefect had to intervene to establish a schedule for the use of Piazza Portanova, after De Luca and his allies attempted to reserve the space for multiple closing rallies, sparking protests from other candidates. The lack of support from PD secretary Elly Schlein highlights the tension between De Luca’s independent political maneuvering and the party’s broader efforts to maintain coalition agreements with other groups, such as the Movimento 5 Stelle.
Looking ahead, the results of this election may clarify the strength of De Luca’s independent influence in the region. If successful, his return could consolidate his control over local policy; however, the ongoing friction with the national party structure suggests that his relationship with the broader center-left coalition may remain complex regardless of the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Vincenzo De Luca running for mayor again?
De Luca is running to return to the office he held four times between 1993 and 2015. His candidacy followed the resignation of his successor, Vincenzo Napoli.
Is De Luca supported by the Partito Democratico?
No. De Luca is running without the party symbol or the explicit support of party leader Elly Schlein, as the party opted not to support him to maintain agreements with other coalition allies.
How has the candidate responded to his political opponents?
De Luca has dismissed his seven rivals using provocative language, comparing them to “Swedish tourists” and stating that they will not be seen again after the election.
How do you think a candidate’s personal public persona influences the outcome of local elections compared to traditional party platforms?
