When (Left) Populism Makes it to Government

This book is concerned with the evolution of Podemos, the election of which arguably marks one of the most notable instances of left-wing populism making it to government. As junior coalition partner in the Sánchez II government, Podemos brought about the first coalition government in the Spanish democracy.

Through this case study, the book examines how left-wing populist parties adapt to their participation in government – how they navigate the challenge of institutionalization, how they change their organization and communication strategies – thereby transitioning from outside forces to becoming integral parts of the institutional system themselves. Is Podemos a traditional political party today? Is Podemos still populist?

This book sheds light on the transformation of political actors born amidst the Great Recession and the crisis of political representation, the continuities and discontinuities in their evolutions. The case of Podemos will also be put into context by comparing it with other types of populism that have come to power in Europe.