Italy on the Way to Trumpism

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the possible effects of implementing the economic program of Matteo Salvini on the Italian economy and the whole society. Salvini has co-opted most of the electoral strategies and economic program from Donald Trump’s campaign. We have used analytical concepts involved in the relationships among economic aspects that determine political consequences and vice versa. To do that, we have studied the evolution of the program of Salvini’s party, his communication strategy, and the composition of his electoral block. From this analysis the fact emerges that the full application of Salvinomics could have a dangerous effect for Italy in terms of inequalities, economic growth, the sustainability of debt and public finance, international relationships, and, in general, for the role of Italy in the globalized world. Also, the effects of some institutional reforms jointly with the economic measures could make his electoral base unstable and conflictual.