Napoli 1993-2016. Da Bassolino a De Magistris: solo andata?

Abstract

In this paper, we assess whether, and to what extent, the direct election of the mayor generated a break with previous administrative and political traditions in Naples. We begin by showing that the new rules for the election of the mayor and City Council, in line with Law no. 81 (approved in March 1993), have contributed to the stability and continuity of municipal administrations. In addition, they have triggered changes in the parties and candidates that stand for election. The latter have gradually become more independent from the national political sphere, more sensitive to the demands of the local context and more open to incursions by civil society. Changes in parties and candidates have also been accompanied by changes in voting behavior. Flow analyses reveal significant movements of votes from one election to another and even between two rounds of the same election. Finally, there have been changes in the form of the local political system. Direct election provides incentives for a personalization of politics and the formation of a new local leadership. The Mayors who have been elected in Naples since 1993 have very different political histories, but all clearly understood that the Mayor is now the dominant actor in local politics.