The party politics of decentralization: the territorial dimension in Italian party agendas

Linda Basile addresses the process of decentralisation in Italy, examined from the perspective of political parties.

In particular, she assesses whether and to what extent the dynamics of party competition are likely to shape policy agenda and affect policy change.

Basile starts by providing a thorough account of the process and history of Italian decentralisation and the policy outcomes achieved over time, before discussing how party attention to an issue triggers related policy changes (manipulation of salience).

Next, the focus shifts to the concrete positions adopted by parties on decentralisation to assess whether the pattern of party competition has been consensual or adversarial, and how this pattern influenced the process of reform (manipulation of position).

Finally, the author examines the role of frames in party competition.