Virginio Merola

Virginio Merola is an Italian politician currently serving as a Member of the Chamber of Deputies, representing the Bologna constituency since 2022. Previously, he served as the Mayor of Bologna from 2011 to 2021 and as the Metropolitan Mayor of Bologna from 2015 to 2021. A long-time member of the Democratic Party, Merola began his political career in the Italian Communist Party and later held various local government roles, including President of the Savena district and city planning assessor. Throughout his career, he has been a proponent of centre-left policies, including the promotion of sustainable urban transport, the expansion of pedestrian areas, and the recognition of same-sex marriage rights.