THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AS A TOOL OF POLITICAL STRUGGLE IN ITALY AND GERMANY

Abstract

The article discusses the methods of using the COVID-19 pandemic as a tool for achieving political goals on the example of Germany and Italy. By studying official statements, public statements in the media and social networks of politicians of both countries, the most typical ways of introducing a pandemic into political discourse were identified. To make the study more complete, the statements of politicians in power and making key decisions to combat the spread of Covid, as well as opposition leaders, were included in its framework. Based on empirical data, general conclusions were drawn for both countries, and specific features were identified in the interaction of German and Italian politicians with such an information guide as coronavirus.