What makes the difference? Social media platforms and party characteristics as contextual factors for political parties’ use of populist political communication

References to “We, the people” as described above.

Explicit references to the Norwegian population when this reference is used to create a contrast between “the people” and “the elite” (e.g., being the only ones who act on behalf of the entire population; “Nå må politikere endelig lytte til befolkningen”, “Makta må tilbake til folket/norske folkevalgte”).

Blaming the elite (from any sector)

Blaming the elite as a group in general for problems and grievances that the people suffer. This category applies when elites are held responsible for anything undesirable from the people’s perspective.

Questioning the elite’s legitimacy to take decisions

Questioning of the legitimacy of the decision-making power exercised by the elite and asking for direct democracy (e.g., referenda; “A change of government can’t be a Tory stitch-up, the people must decide!”)

Calling for resistance against the elite and their ideas and direct popular decisions

Calling for resistance against the ideas/ideology of the establishment.

Accusing the elite of betraying the people or acting against the people’s interest

Accusing the elite of being corrupt, betraying the people, or acting against the people’s interest (e.g., “The media are the enemy of the people”, “The media are dishonest and journalists are liars”).