The aim of this is paper is to investigate the Anti-asylum Movement as a discursive agent in the political public sphere. Taking into account Haberma's concept of public sphere and deliberative democracy, we investigate the way through which the movement has produced new interpretations of political interests along ten years from its foundation, expanding public debate about the anti-asylum issue. First, we attempt to analyse the way through which the movement grasps and thematizes problems affecting the group, and gives expression to its own interest and needs. Second, we investigate some forms of argumentation carried on by the movement concerning controversies aroused by measures to shut down mentally ill asylums, the new organization of the mental health care sector and the integration of mentally ill people into society.
Public Sphere; Anti-Asylum Movement; Deliberative Democracy; Public Debate; Mental Health