The political thermometer in Oristano is soaring. And it has nothing to do with heat waves: the 2027 municipal elections are raising the bar. An imminent appointment on the political parties' agenda, as demonstrated by the recent movement. And while the center-right continues to experience upheavals, Campo Largo is looking for the winning card to wrest the city from its perennial rivals.
The table
In recent days, center-left parties gathered at a table to lay the foundations for the process: Democratic Party, 5 Star Movement, Progressives, Common Horizon, Future Left, Alliance of the Greens and the Left, United for Todde, Socialist Party, and Fortza Paris.
"We're keen to open the door to anyone who wants to contribute with a serious proposal for the city," explains Massimiliano Daga, provincial secretary of the Democratic Party. "We're looking at the world of associations, but also at centrist forces that could share our path and programs." Salvatore Cau, regional councilor for Orizzonte Comune, also confirms "the idea of not closing the doors to anyone," he specifies. "We'll try to present our own list. To win in Oristano, we need a strong team, high-caliber lists and candidates. And revitalization programs." Civic spirit and more moderate forces are being considered, including those currently in the coalition supporting Mayor Sanna. Informal contacts have already been held with the UDC, Sardegna al Centro 20Venti, and the Sardisti party. "We can open ourselves to parties that share our plan for the city," says Progressive City Councilor Umberto Marcoli. "Obviously, we need a break. We can't just continue supporting the Sanna government and then run with us. We need a clear political signal." Marcoli reiterates that "a strong coalition must be formed, building on the work done by the minority in the City Council and through dialogue with the city. It can't be imposed from above."
Everyone is repeating that a change is needed, and even former mayor Pietro Arca insists on this line. "We need to break away from this administration; we need to open up to civil society and businesses," he observes. "We must remember that we are a provincial capital." Could the Lucio Abis association, of which Arca is president, get involved?
"Ours is an apolitical association," he clarifies, "we can contribute our ideas. We need a strong center-left, a civic alliance like Milia did in Quartu." No one is willing to give any specific names—"it's premature to talk about them now"—but there's no shortage of predictions. Among the center-left candidates in the running could be the Democratic Party provincial secretary Massimiliano Daga, and city councilors Francesco Federico, Umberto Marcoli, and Carla DellaVolpe.
The name of Democratic Party regional councilor Antonio Solinas has also been rumored, although he has ruled it out. Also rumored is Stefano Spada, personal secretary to the regional councilor for Planning. Another popular candidate is former regional councilor for Urban Planning Gianvalerio Sanna, but his name could prove divisive; some factions within the Democratic Party would be unpopular. Rumors suggest he could lead a centrist movement, but these are just speculations for now. Also in the mix is Confartigianato president Marco Franceschi.
