National populism and religion: the case of Fratelli d'Italia and VOX

Religion has become increasingly important in the discourse and ideology of the 'fourth wave' of the populist radical right which began in 2000 in Europe. To achieve its normalization in the political contest, these formations have shifted from openly racist positions to other arguments that, like religion, can be used to present their proposals in terms that are, at least apparently, democratic. This paper analyzes how Fratelli d'Italia and Vox appeal to religion in their efforts to construct national identity and differentiate from the "Other". To develop our research, we have carried out a qualitative analysis of the programs, founding documents, speeches, parliamentary interventions, interviews, and key messages of the leaders of both parties from their foundation until the European elections of June 2024. Despite the differences, the emergence of religion in a broad sense, as a form of a sacralization of politics, can be observed in both parties. In both cases, there is also a "politicization" of religion, which emerges as a secularized Christianity. Both parties appeal to a "Christian secularity", which, in their opinion, must be defended against Islam.