Populism in power and its socio-economic policies : an assessment of European evidence

This introductory article focuses on the consequences of populism in power (i.e. in government) on socio-economic policies in Europe. It critically reflects on some expectations about the types and forms of the socio-economic policies introduced by populist parties when in government that can be drawn from political science and economic sociology literature. By mapping the early European evidence available and reviewing the explanatory arguments proposed in the emerging literature, it points at relevant institutional and political factors and distinguishes the different ‘inclusionary’ and ‘exclusionary’ types of populism.