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Umberto Bossi: charisma, personality and leadership

1998; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 3; Issue: 02 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/13532949808454808

1469-9877

Richard Barraclough,

Italian Fascism and Post-war Society

Summary The Northern League is sometimes referred to as a ‘charismatic party’. The reason for this description is the presence of a highly visible—and audible—leader: Umberto Bossi. This article aims to demonstrate that Bossi is perceived as a charismatic leader largely thanks to a constructed personality and image which is designed to symbolize the League's identity. Since it is this image, along with Bossi's organizational skills and tactical abilities, rather than his ‘charisma’ which is the basis of his authority within the League, it is erroneous to regard the League as a true example of a charismatic party.