Over the last two decades, the debate has erupted within the stasiology community about a new and fifth party model. Many authors cite the “Berlusconi phenomenon” as the initial impetus for this discussion (cf. Calise, Hopkin and Paolucci etc.). Terms such as media party (Calise), business-firm party (Hopkin and Paolucci), franchise party (Carty), party of professional politicians (von Beyme), entrepreneur party (Krouwel) and clientele party (Klíma) may be noted within this debate. The latter is framed against the more general themes of party dealignment and the new politics. The aim of the paper is to discuss theoretical issues related to the phenomenon of the “fifth-party model” such as its general characteristics, distinction from other party models, subtypes etc. Subsequently, we will apply this theoretical framework on the recent development in East Central Europe. Such political parties as Public Affairs, Dawn of Direct democracy and ANO 2011 (Czech Republic), Palikot´s Movement and Kukiz´ Movement (Poland), or Miro Cerar´s Party will be included into the analysis.
