Performing (during) the Coronavirus Crisis: The Italian Populist Radical Right between National Opposition and Subnational Government

Abstract The first year of COVID-19 confirmed the standing populist radical right in Italy. While sitting opposition at national level, Giorgia Meloni's Brothers Italy and Matteo Salvini's League shared common criticism Conte II government but experienced diverging trajectories terms popularity. had enjoyed growing support since 2018 general election, whereas second lost out after leaving coalition 2019. These changes can be partly attributed to different agency their leaderships. Looking League's performance helm key regions affected by pandemic, moreover, its governors elaborated responses crisis, which ostensibly reflect varying allegiances visions animating internal life party. Overall collectively considered, Italian broke even during COVID-19, crisis exposed cracks leadership.