Localism as a strategy: symbolic policy making by populist radical right parties in Italy and France

As populist radical right parties broaden their support base and enter government, new challenges arise. We argue that adopting a «localist» style of symbolic policy-making is one strategic response during this phase of institutionalisation. This article examines two cases – the Lega in Italy and the Rassemblement National in France – seeking to expand their support into areas previously dominated by centre-left parties, while entering local government there for the first time. Theoretically, we integrate the literature on symbolic policy-making with research on the boundary-making function of identity, conceptualising «localism» as an identity-centred policy strategy. Drawing on mayoral statements and elite interviews, the analysis shows how localist symbols in policy-making are used to forge bonds with local populations, overcoming prior political allegiances through identity-based appeals.