Game of Mirrors for Complex Policies: The Narratives on Differentiated Autonomy in Italy

Abstract

This study applies the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) to a policy of regional devolution of powers. The analysis focuses on differentiated autonomy in Italy, examining the narratives that emerged in the legislative process of the law regulating the procedures for its activation. The context is of particular interest due to the combination of a polarized political system, such as the Italian one, and a policy providing for a new distribution of powers involving actors from different levels of government. The analysis compares the narratives of the two coalitions supporting and opposing the policy, through the statements of the political national and regional leaders. The findings shed light on the relationship between policy and politics, suggesting that the coalitions tended to: oversimplify the complexity of the policy; make policy narratives as political as possible in the presence of uncertain results; and mirror each other's narratives to ensure the support of their respective audiences. Related Articles Chang, Katherine T., and Elizabeth A. Koebele. 2020. “What Drives Coalitions' Narrative Strategy? Exploring Policy Narratives around School Choice.” Politics & Policy 48(4): 618–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12367 . Boscarino, Jessica E. 2022. “Is Seeing Believing? Comparing the Influence of Textual and Visual Policy Narratives on Public Opinion.” Politics & Policy 50(4): 720‐751. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12471 . Shanahan, Elizabeth A., Mark K. McBeth, and Paul L. Hathaway. 2011. “Narrative Policy Framework: The Influence of Media Policy Narrative on Public Opinion.” Politics & Policy 39(3): 373–400. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00295.x .