ABSTRACT
The year 1996 represented a turning point for the Lega Nord and its political strategy. At the April 21st elections the Lega Nord stood behind the banner of secession. "Secession" from the two main political fronts was associated with and reinforced the call for independence from Rome. Although the Lega presented itself as the party of the whole of northern Italy, calling explicitly for independence, its success depended on its original strongholds. Moreover, as already noted, the "secessionist" segment of its electorate remained small. The transformation further polarized the Lega's internal organization, the leader on one side, militants on the other, stifling dissent and tightening internal control. This was possible because "reformists" and "federalists" within the party were marginalized during this phase. The Lega's advance, then, was halted by the march on the River Po, and it emerged reduced in strength.
