Lega Nord: A Case of Simulative Politics?

Abstract: In contrast to recent research on the Lega Nord, which has focused upon the party's political discourse and propaganda, this paper re-examines the Lega's success among a specific socio-economic and territorial constituency (industrial districts), in the light of the results of the 2008 political elections. The paper applies the concept of 'simulative politics' to explain the revival of the Lega's electoral fortunes in its traditional strongholds, in the context of deep and unsettling socio-economic changes and growing feelings of (di)stress among both producers and residents. The analysis concludes that the success of the Lega Nord today can be best understood as a case of 'simulative politics'.