The Italian Democratic Party and New Labour : The Crisis of the European Left

In this intriguing book, professors Fasano, Natale and Newell offer a comprehensive and compelling discussion of the European left's evolution. As the left grapples with its historical legacy and attempts to connect with voters in a changing political landscape, the authors examine the journey of the Italian Democratic Party (PD) from its inception to the present day, shedding light on its evolution and struggles. Drawing a fascinating parallel with the UK's New Labour, the book explores the challenges faced by these parties as they navigate their post-communist heritage. A timely exploration of social-democratic politics in an era of populism, this book is a must-read for political enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the changing landscape of the left in all the European countries. Foreword Introduction Contents Political Parties and Political Movements List of Figures List of Tables 1 European Socialist Parties Trends: Where Socialdemocratic Parties Are Going After the Berlin Wall Crash References 2 A Brief History of the Italian Democratic Party and Its (Declining) Support The Beginning First Phase: Veltroni’s “Merger Party” Second Phase: Bersani’s “old-style party” The Third Phase: Renzi’s “Pragmatic Party” The Fourth Phase: Zingaretti’s “Omnibus Party” The Fifth Phase: Schlein’s “Movement Party” References 3 New Labour and the Italian PD The Electoral Fortunes of New Labour and the PD in Comparative and Historical Perspective New Labour The Democratic Party Conclusion References 4 Ten Secretaries in Fifteen Years: Leadership and Organisational Changes A Party in Search of Unity and a Genuine Political Project A New Party, Already Rather Old at Birth The Dimensions of the Political Space, and Policy Orientations The Values Underpinning the Party’s Political Culture A Party in Search of Itself References 5 Back to the Future: Reflections on Prospects for the European Left What Does It Mean to Be on the Left? What Has Been Responsible for the Left’s Decline? What Is to Be Done? The Year Zero, at Least for the Italian Left A Sad Conclusion for the Left: A Very Difficult Future References Bibliography Index