The new map of political consensus. What is new in the wave of support for the populists?. Issue 3 (3rd July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vassallo, Salvatore; Shin, Michael
• Is Part Of: Contemporary Italian politics. Volume 11:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 235
• Publication Date: 2019-07-03
• Subjects: Electoral reform -- Rosatellum -- electoral geography -- league -- five-star movement; 320.945
• DOI: 10.1080/23248823.2019.1644836
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2324-8823

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The remarkable result of the 2018 Italian general election reflected the changing priorities of the Italian electorate. We examine similarities and differences in public opinion across various issues and party groupings, and show how the new electoral law and the geography of voting benefited the League and the Five-star Movement the most. Factor analyses indicate that immigration is the issue that most separates parties, while questions surrounding the redistribution of wealth tend to moderate the distance between them. It remains to be seen whether or not the coalition between the League and the Five-star Movement will hold, and whether 2018 is merely a populist 'moment' or portends a longer lasting populist period, and a truly new political-electoral geography of Italy.