Features of Electoral Populism in the Programs of Opposition Parties in the Elections to the State Duma of the VIII Convocation

Abstract

The relevance of the research topic is determined by the study of the problem of populism that is an important tool of political competition and an effective mechanism for attracting public attention and gaining the sympathy of voters by various political forces. The methodological basis of the research is comparative analysis and content analysis. This methodological approach helps to identify key semantic guidelines reflecting the ideological views and strategic goals of parliamentary opposition parties such as the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, the Just Russia – Patriots – For Truth, and the New People. In addition, it captures the unique features specific to a particular political platform. The results of the study consist of a comprehensive analysis of lexical units, stylistic constructions and conceptual models presented in the relevant program declarations which made it possible to identify the key ideas, values and attitudes that determine the ideology and strategy of each opposition party. It is concluded that the party programs are characterized by a lack of detail and specific ways to fulfill the stated obligations, since a significant part of the proposed measures involves large-scale financial investments from the state. The mechanisms and sources of funding necessary for the implementation of these initiatives are not specified.