Assessing the Strength of Anti-Democratic Sentiment in Italy
The push against democracy in Italy has become a concerning trend, with a recent report edited by LaPolis-University of Urbino Carlo Bo, in collaboration with Demos and Public Notice, revealing a significant portion of the population expressing support for authoritarian solutions. Approximately one in five individuals surveyed showed a preference for such systems, including those that explicitly reference the experience of fascism. This sentiment is particularly alarming, as it indicates a growing disillusionment with democratic institutions and values.
Understanding the Extent of Authoritarian Sentiment
The report highlights that about one in three people are uncertain about their stance on democracy versus authoritarianism, suggesting a significant segment of the population is at a crossroads. Furthermore, the component of people satisfied with the functioning of democracy has returned to pre-pandemic levels, standing at just under 40%. This trend is a sign of ongoing disenchantment with democratic institutions, which was temporarily suspended during the Covid-19 emergency. The share of individuals who believe democracy, despite its limitations, is preferable to alternative systems has remained stable, with approximately two-thirds of the population (67%) holding this view.
However, the fraction of those who believe an authoritarian regime is preferable, at least in some circumstances, has grown from 14% in 2015 to 23% today. This increase has come at the expense of those who previously declared themselves indifferent to the choice between different types of regimes and have since become radicalized. To better understand the meaning attributed to authoritarianism, the investigation explored orientations with respect to the concrete experience of fascism, detecting practically overlapping measurements.
Attitudes Towards Fascism
The survey revealed that 8% of respondents are openly nostalgic for fascism, considering a return to the “twenty-year period” as the “best possible solution” for Italy. An additional 14% believe fascism is a “good solution, for a short period.” Combining these two components yields 22%, to which an additional 8% of indifferent individuals must be added. Notably, these opinions are not limited to older segments of the population, who are actually among the least likely to hold such views due to their historical proximity and memory.
Instead, openings in this sense are growing especially in middle-age groups, with positive opinions on fascism rising to over a third of those interviewed between the ages of 30 and 55. Among those who declare themselves right-wing, 62% hold positive views on fascism, although there is a clear distinction within the same political area between those who place themselves on the centre-right (29%). The idea that Italian democracy has undergone a process of deterioration in recent years is surprisingly transversal, with 58% of respondents sharing this position.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the push against democracy in Italy is a concerning trend, with a significant portion of the population expressing support for authoritarian solutions, including those that reference the experience of fascism. The report highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of these sentiments and their implications for democratic institutions. For more information, read the full report Here