With a Little Help from Their Friends: The Consequences of Populists in National Government for Policymaking in Local Government

Abstract Despite increasing research into populist parties in power, their impact on subnational institutions has been neglected. Taking a novel multilevel perspective, this article inquires the policy consequences of radical right (specifically, FPÖ and Lega) local government, effect simultaneous participation national government. The shows expansion exclusionary that follows concurrent presence process leads from government entry to influence is traced using interview newspaper data. argues central over these ‘showcase’ localities rooted different governance configurations. These vary cross-nationally according two factors: strength mayors’ linkages with higher levels institutional settings and, due extent party nationalization, strategic value municipality party.