Populism in Europe has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last few decades. From the fringes of political life to the heart of government in many countries, populist movements have found success by capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with traditional politics. What makes European populism particularly complex is its diversity: it exists across the entire political spectrum, from left-wing populism that critiques capitalism and inequality to right-wing populism that emphasizes nationalism, immigration control, and anti-elitism. Both forms of populism, though different in their focus and ideology, have capitalized on a sense of disenfranchisement among large segments of the population. This article explores the trajectory of populism in Europe, highlighting key movements and examples from both the left and right.
Understanding Populism
Before exploring into specific examples, it is essential to define populism. At its core, populism is a political approach that seeks to represent the “common people” against a perceived elite. Populists typically argue that traditional political institutions, including mainstream parties, media, and other establishment forces, are corrupt and out of touch with the everyday concerns of the masses.
While this broad definition applies to both left-wing and right-wing populism, the key difference lies in whom they define as “the people” and who is cast as the “elite” or “enemy.” Left-wing populists tend to focus on economic elites, corporations, and neoliberal policies, whereas right-wing populists often target immigrants, multiculturalism, and political correctness, positioning themselves as defenders of national identity.
Left-Wing Populism in Europe
Left-wing populism has found significant success in several European countries, particularly in Southern Europe, where economic crises and austerity measures imposed by international financial institutions have generated widespread anger. The primary focus of left-wing populism is economic inequality, corporate greed, and social justice.
One of the most notable examples is Syriza in Greece. Founded in 2004, Syriza emerged as a radical left-wing coalition of groups united by a critique of austerity, which had devastated the Greek economy following the financial crisis of 2008. By 2015, Syriza, under the leadership of Alexis Tsipras, won the national election by promising to renegotiate Greece’s debt agreements and end austerity. Syriza’s rise was propelled by its populist messaging, which blamed the economic suffering of ordinary Greeks on both domestic elites and external powers like the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. Although Syriza ultimately had to compromise on many of its demands when it took power, it represented a powerful example of left-wing populism making it to the highest levels of government.
Another key example of left-wing populism is Podemos in Spain. Podemos, which means “We can” in Spanish, was founded in 2014 by activists who were part of the broader “Indignados” movement that emerged in response to Spain’s economic crisis. Like Syriza, Podemos campaigned against austerity measures and the traditional two-party system, arguing that Spanish elites had mismanaged the economy and neglected the needs of ordinary citizens. Podemos’ leader, Pablo Iglesias, used populist rhetoric to position the party as a voice for those who had been left behind by neoliberal economic policies. While Podemos has not achieved the same level of electoral success as Syriza, it remains an influential force in Spanish politics.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise (Unsubmissive France), has been a prominent figure in French left-wing populism. Mélenchon’s brand of populism focuses on anti-globalization, criticism of the European Union, and a call for greater social justice. His platform includes raising the minimum wage, reducing inequality, and reforming France’s democratic institutions. In the 2017 and 2022 French presidential elections, Mélenchon positioned himself as an anti-establishment candidate, drawing support from voters disillusioned with both the traditional left and right. Although he did not win, his campaigns highlighted the growing appeal of left-wing populism in France.
Right-Wing Populism in Europe
Right-wing populism has gained more prominence in Europe over the past decade, with parties achieving electoral success in countries as diverse as Italy, Hungary, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Right-wing populists often emphasize nationalism, anti-immigration policies, and opposition to multiculturalism. They frame their discourse around the preservation of national identity and portray themselves as defenders of the “true people” against elites who are seen as overly liberal, globalist, or indifferent to national interests.
One of the most well-known examples of right-wing populism is the Brexit movement in the United Kingdom. The UK Independence Party (UKIP), under the leadership of Nigel Farage, played a significant role in pushing for a referendum on the UK’s membership in the European Union. UKIP’s message resonated with voters who felt that the EU was an undemocratic institution that undermined British sovereignty and allowed excessive immigration. The 2016 Brexit referendum, which resulted in a vote to leave the EU, was driven in large part by right-wing populist rhetoric that appealed to concerns about national identity, immigration, and the erosion of local control over laws and policies.
Another major figure in European right-wing populism is Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary. Orbán and his Fidesz Party have transformed Hungary’s political landscape by promoting a brand of “illiberal democracy” that rejects liberal values in favor of nationalism, Christian conservatism, and anti-immigration policies. Orbán has consistently portrayed himself as a defender of Hungary against the forces of globalization, multiculturalism, and the liberal European elite. His policies have included building a border fence to stop the influx of migrants and introducing laws that limit the independence of the judiciary and the media. Despite widespread criticism from the European Union, Orbán’s populist approach has resonated with Hungarian voters, allowing him to consolidate power.
Poland has seen a similar rise in right-wing populism with the Law and Justice Party (PiS), led by Jarosław Kaczyński. PiS has embraced a nationalist and socially conservative agenda, focusing on issues like immigration, national sovereignty, and opposition to liberal cultural values. The party has also clashed with the European Union over its judicial reforms, which critics argue undermine the rule of law. However, PiS’s populist messaging has found support among many Poles who feel that their national identity is under threat from external forces.
In Italy, the rise of Matteo Salvini and the Lega (formerly known as the Northern League) represents another example of right-wing populism. Salvini has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of immigration and a defender of Italy’s national sovereignty. His party has also adopted a Eurosceptic stance, criticizing the EU’s handling of economic and migration issues. Salvini’s populist rhetoric, which includes anti-immigrant slogans and calls for “Italians first,” has gained significant traction, especially in the northern regions of Italy.
Populism in Government: A Common Thread
While left-wing and right-wing populism differ significantly in their ideological foundations, there are some common threads that unite them. Both forms of populism are reactions to perceived failures of the political establishment, whether those failures are seen as economic (in the case of left-wing populism) or cultural and national (in the case of right-wing populism). Both forms also capitalize on widespread feelings of disenfranchisement and distrust in traditional political institutions, using rhetoric that emphasizes the need to take power back from corrupt or out-of-touch elites.
Moreover, both left-wing and right-wing populists have faced similar challenges when they have gained power. In Greece, Syriza had to confront the harsh realities of international debt negotiations, and many of its populist promises were unfulfilled. Similarly, right-wing populists in power, such as Orbán in Hungary or Kaczyński in Poland, have faced international criticism for undermining democratic institutions and civil liberties, though their popularity at home has often remained strong.
To conclude, Populism in Europe, whether from the left or right, reflects a deep dissatisfaction with the status quo. From Greece and Spain to Hungary and Poland, populist movements have risen to prominence by tapping into the frustrations of citizens who feel alienated by traditional political parties and institutions. While left-wing populism focuses on economic justice and anti-austerity measures, right-wing populism emphasizes nationalism and anti-immigration sentiments. Both, however, share a common goal of challenging the established political order. As Europe continues to grapple with the fallout of economic crises, migration, and cultural shifts, populism will likely remain a powerful force in shaping the continent’s political future.