Right-Wing Populism of the “Third Republic” Era in Italy: Origins and Ideological Foundations

Populism as a political phenomenon has become firmly established in the European political landscape in recent decades. Italy was one of the first countries where populist parties reached the highest levels of power. For over 30 years, these parties have largely shaped Italy’s political landscape, regularly forming governments and maintaining their popularity among the electorate. The high level of support for populist parties in Italy can be explained by the country’s tradition of “protest” voting — supporting “alternative” political forces in response to “demands for change” within Italian society. Currently, three right-wing populist parties — “Forza Italia”, “Lega” and “Brothers of Italy” — are part of the governing coalition in Italy. These parties have undergone significant ideological transformations since their inception, and their current ideology is characterized by a quite moderate.