'No regionalism please, we are Leghisti !' The transformation of the Italian Lega Nord under the leadership of Matteo Salvini. Issue 5 (20th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Albertazzi, Daniele; Giovannini, Arianna; Seddone, Antonella
• Is Part Of: Regional & federal studies. Volume 28:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 645
• Page End: 671
• Publication Date: 2018-10-20
• Subjects: Regionalism -- nationalism -- Lega Nord -- populism -- personalization; Regionalism -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Federal government -- Periodicals; 321.02
• DOI: 10.1080/13597566.2018.1512977
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-7566

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Whilst the Lega Nord has traditionally been defined as a regionalist populist party, since Matteo Salvini became its leader in 2013 it has undergone a process of profound ideological transformation. This article assesses this momentous change and the impact it could have on the future of the Lega, drawing on a content analysis of Salvini's and the party's Facebook posts, as well as interviews with regional leaders. It argues that, under Salvini's personal style of leadership: (a) regionalism has been replaced by an empty form of nativist nationalism, which fails to address socio-economic issues related to the North–South divide; (b) populism remains central to the party's strategic communication, but the EU has taken Rome's place as the people's 'enemy'; (c) this ideological shift has paid-off at the 2018 general election, but is underpinned by latent fractures between the leader and regional representatives which could have profound implications in the future.