 His candidature had been contested by academics and left-wing politicians, as in disregard of Law n. 165/2004, that put a limit of two consecutive mandates to directly-elected Regional Presidents.Formigoni was indirectly elected in 1995, but then directly elected in 2000 and 2005.He defended himself, stating that the law was not in vigour when he was first directly elected in 2000, so he should be allowed a 4th mandate.