Abstract
This paper examines the impact of left-wing populism on the rule of recognition in liberal democratic legal systems. Drawing on an empirical study of SYRIZA’s rhetoric during the May 2023 Greek parliamentary elections, it explores how populist discourse interacts with constitutional legitimacy and the fundamental rules governing legal authority. H.L.A. Hart’s rule of recognition provides the criteria for legal validity within a system, relying on shared acceptance by officials and institutions. However, populist movements frequently challenge these criteria, presenting themselves as the sole authentic voice of the people against an entrenched elite. While left-wing populism claims to expand democratic participation, its rhetoric may subtly erode institutional legitimacy by questioning judicial independence and the authority of constitutional norms. This study analyzes key speeches and campaign materials from SYRIZA and Alexis Tsipras, employing content analysis to assess how legal authority and constitutional rules are framed. It investigates whether this rhetoric signals a deeper shift in the rule of recognition, destabilizing the established legal order. Funded by the British Academy, this research advances legal theory by integrating empirical analysis with contemporary debates on populism and constitutionalism. It contributes to the understanding of how populist actors engage with and potentially reshape legal foundations, offering insights relevant to scholars of legal philosophy, constitutional law, and political studies. By bridging legal theory with empirical data, the paper sheds light on the evolving relationship between populism and the legitimacy of legal systems.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
POPULISM, CONSTITUTIONALISM, RULE OF RECOGNITION, POPULIST DISCOURSE
