Roots of success of the Lega Lombarda: Mobilisation dynamics and the media

The emergence and success of the Lega Lombarda is studied through participant observation, media discourse analysis and examination of activist materials. We argue that, despite media negative framing, there was a convergence of themes between the media and the Lega, which favorably affected its growth. In addition, President Cossiga undermined the legitimacy of the dominant parties, inducing a protest vote. The Lega provides a solution to the perceived problems of the state by proposing a more independent northern Italy. This political agenda offers a vehicle for the formation of a new collective identity, that of ‘Lombards’, which replaces other ideologies that are declining. This spurs activist support from a parallel social movement.