“The parties with the highest density of populism emerged rather battered from last Sunday’s electoral test. Salvini’s League lost the majority of its votes and had to lower the flag of the presidency of the Umbrian region. Giuseppe Conte’s Five Star Movement in turn they continued their descent into hell, at least numerically, which crossed their most recent electoral journeys.
It will be said that the numbers of this round, although not very fruitful, are not enough to announce a definitive decline. It should also be added that neither Salvini nor Conte are the only custodians of the fortunes of populism – which has at least partly crept in even among those forces that also proclaim themselves to be the antipodes of it. The fact remains that that flood wave that seemed destined to irremediably overwhelm every shred of long-standing political officialdom today seems at least in part to be receding. Returning many keys to the dispute to the professionals in the field. With what outcome, we will see later.
Furthermore, the real winners of this last dispute of the year are – not by chance – two mayors (three with that of Genoa). As if to call into service that noble political apprenticeship that is nourished by knowledge of the territory, care of the electorate, and the most concrete and operational care of one’s community. All signs of the fact that perhaps a policy that does not indulge too much in certain demagogic fumes but rather demands a presence within the most minute fibers of the areas in which an ancient and noble profession is expressed – although no longer so fashionable.
In short, there is more than a few clues in favor of a return to the field of politics. Even if the rising tide of abstentionism, which each time makes giant leaps towards increasingly distressing proportions, suggests that the game is still very open to all outcomes and that the feeling of protest and anti-political disaffection is anything but archived.
The fact remains that today that malaise is no longer channeled so easily towards the groups that deluded themselves into benefiting from it in the name of their (supposed) purity. A circumstance which in turn poses unprecedented and not very easy problems even for their own allies. In fact, Salvini and Conte continue to be considered decisive for the fortunes of the coalitions. Where intolerance towards them and awareness of their downward slope grows. But not to the point of expelling them from the two camps. In fact, Meloni still finds himself governing with Salvini and without his votes he cannot have either a parliamentary majority or, perhaps, an electoral majority. And Schlein’s PD in turn insists on also relying on the votes of the M5S to set up a numerically competitive coalition. Thus, the two populists, already authors of the first yellow-green government in the last legislature, continue to have good cards at their disposal despite the poor numbers of these latest rounds.
It will be said that populism is not just that of Salvini and Conte. And that some of his slogans have also penetrated well within the walls of those parties that do not want to call themselves populist. A circumstance that makes the issue even more complex and prediction more difficult. But which precisely should induce the most tested political players to finally try to cross the crossroads that has paralyzed them up to now. Because half measures don’t work with populists. Or you ask them to stay on board, and then you will have to accept at least in part their way of seeing things. Or you decide to leave them on the ground, and at that point
We will see if theirs is a fire that is still raging or has now become a flash in the pan. The news is that perhaps, at this point, leaving them on the ground is no longer as prohibitive as just a few months ago.” (by Marco Follini)
Considering the infiltration of populist tendencies into other Italian political parties as observed by Follini, how might this dynamic reshape future coalitions and policy debates within the Italian political landscape?
## World Today News Interview: The Future of Italian Populism
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today we delve into the recent Italian elections and the future of populism with two esteemed guests: [Guest 1 Name], a political science professor specializing in populism, and [Guest 2 Name], a veteran political journalist with extensive experience covering Italian politics.
**Section 1: The Waning Tide of Populism?**
* Marco Follini suggests that the “flood wave” of populism in Italy might be receding. Do you agree with this assessment, based on the recent election results?
* While Salvini and Conte’s parties seem to be struggling, Follini argues that populistic tendencies are creeping into other Italian political parties. How do you see this dynamic playing out?
* What factors might be contributing to a potential decline in populist support, both within Italy and globally?
**Section 2: The Rise of Local Leaders**
* Follini highlights the success of local mayors in these recent elections. Do you think this trend signifies a renewed importance of local level politics?
* How can local politicians effectively address the issues that fueled the rise of populism, such as distrust in established institutions and economic anxieties?
**Section 3: The Dilemma of the Mainstream Parties**
* Both Salvini and Conte remain crucial for the success of their respective coalitions, despite their declining popularity. How do mainstream parties navigate this tricky alliance with populist forces?
* What are the risks and benefits for mainstream parties in collaborating with populist factions? Can a viable and stable coalitions be formed under these circumstances?
* Follini argues that “half measures don’t work with populists.” Do you agree? What strategies could mainstream parties employ to counter populist rhetoric and policies effectively?
**Section 4: The Future of Italian Politics:**
* What are your predictions for the future of populism in Italy? Is this a temporary setback, or a sign of a more significant shift in the political landscape?
* What steps can Italian political leaders take to address the underlying issues that contribute to populist sentiment, such as economic inequality and social division?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you to both of our guests for providing invaluable insights into this complex and important issue. The future of populism in Italy remains uncertain, but it is clear that the political landscape is in flux, and navigating these changes will require careful consideration and thoughtful action.
