Right-wing and left-wing populism in the EU and their impact on democratic processes

Saimir Fekolli; Ervis Cela

Right-wing and left-wing populism in the EU and their impact on democratic processes

Abstract

Contemporary European populism, which has become particularly widespread in the last decade of the 21st century, is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon whose impact on democratic institutions has not been fully studied. The aim of this research was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the ideological foundations, electoral successes, and impact of populist movements on the functioning of democratic institutions in the EU. The study employed a comparative analysis method to identify the differences between right-wing and left-wing populism, an analysis of the programmatic documents of populist parties, a statistical analysis of electoral data, and the activities of populist governments. The main results of the study demonstrated the ambivalent nature and multivariate manifestations of populism in contemporary Europe. Significant ideological differences were identified between right-wing and left-wing populism, particularly in interpreting the concept of “the people”, the perception of fundamental societal divisions, and approaches to economic policy. An analysis of electoral successes demonstrated a growing support for right-wing populists in many EU countries, while left-wing populist forces showed a more ambiguous dynamic. The study of the impact of populist governments on the functioning of democratic institutions revealed serious challenges to the rule of law in Central and Eastern European countries, but less radical consequences in Southern Europe. It was established that the activities of right-wing populist governments in Hungary and Poland led to a systematic undermining of the principles of the rule of law through restrictions on the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the media, and the rights of the opposition. In contrast, left-wing populist governments in Greece and Spain primarily focused on socioeconomic reforms, avoiding the systematic undermining of democratic institutions. The research results revealed a growing trend towards polarisation of the political spectrum in many EU countries, which creates new challenges for the functioning of democratic institutions and maintaining the unity of the European Union. It was established that the impact of populism on democratic processes in the EU is contextually dependent and varies depending on national characteristics and the ideological orientation of populist forces. The research results can be used by public and governmental organisations and programs that promote political education and a critical approach to political choice

Keywords

Euroscepticism; nationalism; social justice; xenophobia; rule of law; electoral dynamics; political polarisation

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Suggested citation

Fekolli, S., & Cela, E. (2024). Right-wing and left-wing populism in the EU and their impact on democratic processes. Foreign Affairs, 34(3), 67-76. https://doi.org/10.46493/2663-2675.34(3).2024.67