Personalism, disinformation, and anti-system Community: an analysis of ‘Se Acabó La Fiesta’s’ european election campaign on Telegram
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31921/doxacom.2960Keywords:
election campaigns, disinformation, thematic analysis, Telegram, far-rightAbstract
This study analyses the political communication strategy of ‘Se Acabó La Fiesta’ (SALF) on Telegram during the 2024 European elections campaign. It examines the narratives of the ‘Alviseperez’ channel, Alvise Pérez’s hyper-leadership, and the spread of disinformation in his digital community. The research explores how SALF used Telegram to mobilise voters, build political identity, and bypass traditional media. A thematic analysis was conducted on 111 posts from 24 May to 7 June 2024, focusing on categories related to disinformation, community, and leadership. Findings reveal a strategy based on the hyper-personalisation of Pérez, group cohesion, and the dissemination of disinformative narratives. The symbolic role of Pérez evolves from "protector" early in the campaign to "great communicator" in its final phase. Telegram played a central role in avoiding limited mainstream media coverage and strengthening ties with supporters. This study contributes to understanding the digital far-right in Spain by highlighting Telegram as a key electoral tool. It also offers insights into how disinformation, leadership, and digital communities interact in alternative political mobilisation, underlining the strategic use of digital platforms in reshaping political engagement around charismatic figures and polarising narratives.
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