If Italy is the country of the future, expect to have not just one rightwing populist party but two (Lega + Brothers of Italy). I struggled a bit yesterday to explain to foreign journalist why this is the case.
My sense is that there are 2 parties because of 2 main reasons: 1. territorial divides, 2. divides within the Italian bourgeoisie. Ideology also matters ("post"-fascism in case of Brothers of Italy vis-a-vis post-regionalist populism in the case of Lega). But not as important.
In terms of territorial divides despite Lega becoming national party its heartland still very much in the Po valley, and its free market policy reflects it. Brothers of Italy strong in Centre-South and more economically marginal areas. Its economic policy is more protectionist.
In terms of class divides, I'd say Lega more biased towards medium industry, and dynamic self-employed. Brothers of Italy more oriented towards traditional petty and medium bourgeoisie: stereotype of fascist coalition of pharmacists/tobacconists/lawyers still relevant.
Italy still has one of the most diffused petty bourgeoisie in Europe. Tons of small business, shops, restaurants, bars. Idea of wanting to be your own boss still very strong, despite often being anti-economic. This makes perfect terrain for populist right.
If you are an employee and you are poor you can blame your boss. If you are an owner and you are poor who do you blame?
You can blame 1. immigrants, 2. foreign forces conspiring against your livelihood (euro, international trade, China), 3. intellectuals telling people what to do (for example that we need a carbon-neutral economy.
Copyright for Italy country of the future goes to @BungaCast and @Alex__1789 besides ol' Guy Debord writing 'bout Italy as lab of reaction
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