destra

Destra is the Italian term for the right-hand side and, by extension, for the political right. Etymologically, it derives from Latin dexter, dextra, which contrasts with sinistra (left). In political usage, destra denotes right-wing ideologies, parties, or factions and is used both descriptively and as part of party names.

Historically, the Destra Storica, or Historical Right, was a liberal-conservative faction that dominated the Parliament of the Kingdom of Sardinia and, after unification, early Italian government structures from around 1848 to 1861. It advocated constitutional monarchy, centralized authority, and market-oriented policies, and it faced opposition from the Left.

In modern Italian discourse, destra refers to the right in general and to right-leaning coalitions or parties. There have been political formations that adopted the name La Destra (The Right) or similar labels, typically presenting conservative or national-conservative platforms and often aligning with broader center-right groupings, though specifics vary by era and leadership.

Cross-linguistic note: in other Romance languages the equivalent concept exists but uses different terms, such as direita in Portuguese or derecha in Spanish. The concept of the right wing as a political category is common, but the exact terminology differs by language and country.

Geographic or proper-name usage: Destra can appear in the names of organizations or locales within Italian-speaking contexts, but in general it remains primarily a generic term for the right-hand side or the political right.