Calling a spade a spade: the concept of populism in the Portuguese press

Abstract

Populism’s increasing prominence in politics raises questions about its definition and usage. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative text analysis, this article addresses how populism is portrayed in the Portuguese press, its associations, and discrepancies with academic discourse. Over a ten-year period (2012-2021), this study examines two media outlets to assess populism’s presence in the press before Chega’s parliamentary entry. Populism is often tied to international figures, in opinion pieces, under a negative tone, and typically associated with ideological positioning. The haziness and conceptual imprecision of populism extend beyond academia halls, although the media is significantly aligned with scholarly definitions.