The main area of sustained populist growth and success over the last fifteen years in established democracies has been Western Europe, where populism has proved far more dynamic, resilient, flexible and successful than commentators had predicted. Populists in Power examines how and why populist parties may have been able to serve in the governments of Italy and Switzerland for most of the current decade without apparently softening their rhetoric, moderating their policies, or suffering significant vote losses.

Daniele Albertazzi is a Senior Lecturer in European Politics at the University of Birmingham, UK.

Duncan McDonnell is a Senior Lecturer in Politics at the School of Government and International Relations in Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.

1. Populists in Western Europe: From Periphery to Power 2. Forza Italia and the Popolo della Libertà 3. The Lega Nord 4. The Schweizerische Volkspartei 5.Elections 6. Pledges vs. Actions in Government 7. Members and Representatives - Reactions to Government Participation 8. Conclusions: Populists and Power Appendix 1. Summary of Relevant Political Events in Italy, 2008-2011 Appendix 2. Summary of Relevant Political Events: Switzerland 2003-2007 Index