Silvio Berlusconi has lost control of the municipal government of Milano, ending 18 years of center right rule in the city.

The center left candidate, Giuliano Pisapia, beat Letizia Moratti (a close ally of Berlusconi’s) to become Milano’s next mayor.

Pisapia claimed victory, saying “Oggi abbiamo liberato Milano.”  His supporters gathered  in Piazza Duomo in the center of Milano to celebrate the historic electoral victory.

La Repubblica reports on the elections in Milano and throughout Italia.