Four days before Italy’s general election, abstentions are likely to reach new heights. Even if Giorgia Meloni’s far-right party takes the lead in voting intentions, the tie still stands at 45% and the abstention rate could reach 30% this Sunday. An indecision that could “dissolve at the last moment”, explains on Thursday September 22 on franceinfo Marc Lazar, professor emeritus at Sciences-Po, specialist in history and political sociology of Italy.
franceinfo: How do you analyze this lack of interest in Sunday’s elections?
Markus Lazar: It’s not new. In several elections we have seen the rise of both this indifference and distrust of institutions and politics. Recent polls had shown that only 4% of Italians trusted their political parties. Perhaps there is also an important economic element to consider: this is the first time in the history of the Italian Republic that citizens will be called to vote in the month of September. The campaign as such was therefore relatively short as Italians go on holiday in August.
All of these elements explain this significant abstention rate forecast. Even if this indecisiveness can dissolve at the last moment: in previous elections, very often a large number of Italians have spoken out in the very last few days
Where do these undecided voices usually go?
What we do know is that the undecided never vote in a camp. A number of political leaders are trying to persuade these teetotalers. Above all, the centre-left party (Democratic Party), whose chairman Enrico Letta, repeatedly appeals to non-voters to block Giorgia Meloni’s way.
Does this distrust explain the weight of the extreme right and Giorgia Meloni’s party, sometimes labeled “post-fascist”?
Let’s start by paying attention to the terms: yes, Giorgia Meloni was a fascist, she was socialized in the fascist movement and defended Benito Mussolini. No doubt there are still candidates in this party who are nostalgic for fascism. But all the work she has done is trying to present herself as a candidate for a conservative, traditionalist, even reactionary party. It’s important to specify this in order to also understand why it’s rising so much in the polls.
Today it appears as a change. It must be remembered that Italians have voted for change in every election in Italy since 1994, sanctioning the parties in power. However, it appears like a new character in a way. In addition, she is the only woman in a male environment. She was certainly in power in a youth ministry in a government led by Silvio Berlusconi between 2008 and 2011, but many have forgotten that. That’s why the Italians say to themselves: “Why not try?”. After voting for the right, the left and then trying a government of quasi-national unity behind Mario Draghi… They want to try something new with Giorgia Meloni.