From ‘integrative’ to ‘expressive’ parties? Some Reflections from the Italian Case

The so-called 'populist parties', who emerged in the mid-1970s in several European democracies, represent a remarkable novelty from different point of view. Although the current literature allowed several attempts to explain this phenomenon, comprehensive reflections in terms of party ‘belonging’ are rather rare. Following the season of ‘catch-all parties’, one may argue that these new formations are ‘expressive’ parties. As Western European parties that preceded them in the previous decades were parties of ‘social integration’ putting forward ‘representation’ (thus programmatic), ‘integration’ (socialization) and ‘protection’, the new ‘populist’ parties tend to deeply renewed the political supply. ‘Expressive’ parties are not collective bodies to which people adhere, but they serve as means of expression. The ‘common man’ expresses his discontent through them, first of all reinterpreting the role of leadership. The latter matches to the imperatives of audience as set by the media, where the concept of charisma is often employed as an expressive expedient. Weberian charisma was based upon the leader's exceptional qualities affirming his superiority. In contrast, in the ‘expressive’ parties, the charismatic leader is a common man; a self-made individual who stands out not because of his ability, culture or personal background, but as a direct result of his courage to rebel against the system. He is ‘one of us’ and is ‘like us’. He shares both the virtues and the vices of his own constituency. Neither does he disguise his flaws and weaknesses, nor his personal bad habits. If anything, he exposes them with the media's help. His sometimes turbulent private life provides no mystery. Informality, and even vulgarity, of language and gestures are natural parts of his appeal. At the same time, unlike the illusion of the ‘personal party’, ‘expressive’ parties may have solid hierarchies and structures spread throughout the territory, relying upon their activists and their membership, doing intensive use of discussions and consultations. Trying to illustrate the rise and the characteristics of the ‘expressive’ party, this contribution will mainly focus the Italian case, considering past experiences (e.g. Italian Communist party) and new parties such as the Northern League (Lega Nord) and the Five Star Movement.