Marche Elections, first round: Acquaroli and Ricci face off

Ancona, August 28, 2025 – From the ZES to the ATIM (defended by Acquaroli, opposed by Ricci) to the topic of all topics: healthcare . These are some of the topics discussed in the first public face-to-face meeting between the outgoing center-right governor Francesco Acquaroli and his center-left challenger Matteo Ricci this afternoon in Ancona, summoned by the UIL (Italian Labour Union) for the regional assembly.

First electoral confrontation between Francesco Acquaroli and Matteo Ricci (photo Antic)

The meeting began in the spirit of fair play. Before the debate began, the two candidates exchanged a cordial handshake, accompanied by smiles . A gesture that suggested both candidates' intentions to maintain a mutually respectful discussion.

And in fact, for two hours the presidential candidates for the upcoming regional elections on September 28th and 29th answered questions from union representatives, in a discussion that was mostly conducted in a calm manner , despite the fact that there was no shortage of attacks (from Ricci) which were followed by replies (from Acquaroli).

The Special Economic Zone, for example, was dubbed a "Special Electoral Zone" by the Democratic Party MEP, who said it was "full of fiction," also alluding to the fact that "it's not a decree law, it doesn't come into force immediately, and there's not a single euro involved." A few minutes later, however, the Fratelli d'Italia representative clarified that "the single SEZ is already funded," previously outlining the provisions of "an important process" and that "when it is approved, hopefully in the fall, it will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, whose main problems are bureaucracy and the need for simplification." The long race to Palazzo Raffaello has begun.