I think when talking about Italian politics it is extremely important to discuss the Lega Nord (North League), which is a political party in Italy consisted of regional parties from Central and Northern Italy. It is a political party that I heard about everyday while living in Italy and honestly I find it frightening.

Its political program calls for the transformation of Italy into a federal state, especially the Northern regions which they call Padina. Basically it advocates the separation of Northern and Southern Italy, which has recently sparked controversy and racism between the two sections of Italy. The leagues culture is a mix of pride in the heritage of northern Italy, distrust of southern Italians and Roman authorities, support for free market economics and independentism, hate for Italy (especially its flag) and claims of Celtic heritage.

They consider themselves a populist party, and the party’s constitution states that the party will end political activity when federalism is obtained. The party is anti-monopolist, anti-immigration, anti elitist and participative. It is one of the few Italian political parties where they do not permit free-masons to join. They “fight against the big powers” and promotes small-ownership, small and medium sized industries and small government against governmental bureaucracy, governments money waste and corruption.

The league itself, to me sounds racist although they have dismissed the claims and say they are nonviolent. However, there have been many speeches and interviews that say otherwise. They also hold strong ties to major players in Italian politics, including Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

This is a link to one of the anti-immigration protests from Lega Nord.

Here is a link to one of the uses of propaganda. In english the flyer states "They don't want to make rules on immigration, we are now living on the reserve. THINK! The Lega Nord has confronted with great courage this difficult battle. Continue to support and trust us!"