Elections in Veneto

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Veneto’s electoral story is one of a long Catholic and centrist tradition, moving toward strong regionalism and then a solid center‑right government in recent decades. After World War II, Christian Democracy (DC) dominated Veneto, winning most elections and governing the region from 1970 to the early 1990s.

In the 1980s, Venetian nationalism grew and Liga Veneta (LV) emerged as a powerful regional party. LV helped found Lega Nord in 1991. From the mid‑1990s, the center‑right coalition, with Forza Italia, replaced the old DC dominance in the region. Giancarlo Galan of Veneto’s leadership helped the center‑right rule Veneto for many years.

Luca Zaia of LV became a central figure when LV won the regional government again in 2010, and he was re‑elected in 2015 and 2020, solidifying LV’s grip on the region. In 2017 Veneto held an autonomy referendum, with 57.2% turnout and an overwhelming 98.1% voting yes for more autonomy.

Around 2013 Veneto saw a surge of support for the Five Star Movement, reflecting broader national discontent. But LV stayed the main regional force, and by 2015 it achieved a historic result, winning the largest share of votes for a Venetist party and maintaining influence in the regional government.

In regional elections, LV has frequently outpolled other parties, riding a strong base in areas like Treviso and other Pedemontana provinces. The center‑right coalition, led by LV, has tended to dominate regional politics, with other major players including the Brothers of Italy (an important partner in recent years) and the Democratic Party.

In the 2024 European Parliament elections, Brothers of Italy led in Veneto, ahead of the League and the Democratic Party. In the 2025 regional election, Alberto Stefani of LV–Lega won the presidency with a large majority, continuing LV’s prominence and keeping the center‑right in power. The 2025 results showed LV as the region’s largest party, with a broad center‑right coalition dominating the vote.

Regional elections in Veneto fill the 51‑member Regional Council, elected every five years, with the President also chosen every five years. The latest results show a strong LV leadership and a regional government backed by a wide center‑right majority.