Geert Wilders, the Dutch Donald Trump, discusses the rise of right-wing populism in Europe. Topics covered include the factors behind right-wing populism, differences between right-wing populism and far-right politics, and the implications for Europe. Other guests analyze the impact of right-wing populism on European politics, immigration policies, and the upcoming French election. The podcast delves into the strategies employed by populist leaders and the challenges of keeping these parties out of influential positions.
Right-wing populism in Europe is driven by addressing public discontent on issues like immigration, national sovereignty, and socio-economic concerns.
The rise of right-wing populism challenges the traditional dynamics within the European Union, leading to debates about EU policies and the future direction of the European project.
Deep dives
The Rise of Right-Wing Populism in Europe
Right-wing populism is gaining momentum across Europe, with parties like the PVV in the Netherlands, National Rally in France, and Law and Justice in Poland garnering significant support. These parties have tapped into public discontent, addressing issues such as immigration, national sovereignty, and socio-economic concerns. While they hold diverse views and styles, there are common threads that define this wave of populism, such as questioning the status quo, challenging elite institutions, and advocating for the interests of the indigenous majority. As these parties gain influence and even join governments, the political landscape in Europe is shifting, creating tensions and divisions within society and institutions.
The Changing Dynamics in Netherlands Politics
The recent surprise election victory of the PVV in the Netherlands has brought attention to the rise of right-wing populism. Led by Geert Wilders, the PVV has called for tougher policies on immigration and Islam. While Wilders presents a more moderate tone during elections, his party program remains radical. The success of the PVV reflects the broader discontent among Dutch voters, who feel marginalized and voiceless in the face of mass immigration and integration challenges. This political shift in the Netherlands raises questions about the country's future stance on issues like the European Union, immigration, and the role of Islam in Dutch society.
European Populism and EU Dynamics
The rise of right-wing populism in Europe has challenged the traditional dynamics within the European Union. Parties like the National Rally in France, AFD in Germany, and Law and Justice in Poland have pushed for a reevaluation of EU policies, particularly on migration and control over national sovereignty. The influence of these parties has led to debates about the future direction of the EU, with some questioning the effectiveness of the European project and calling for more national autonomy. As these right-wing parties gain power and influence, the EU must navigate a complex political landscape and address the growing divisions within its member states.
Implications for Europe's Future
The rise of right-wing populism poses significant implications for Europe's future. The increasing influence of parties like the PVV, National Rally, and Law and Justice challenges the traditional post-war liberal consensus. It highlights the dissatisfaction among voters with mainstream parties and their handling of issues like immigration, national identity, and socio-economic concerns. This growing wave of populism can lead to a shift in policy priorities and a reassessment of the European project. As these parties gain power and shape the political discourse, the future of Europe could see a more fragmented, debate-driven, and ideologically diverse landscape.
Geert Wilders has been described as the Dutch Donald Trump. Earlier this month his far-right Freedom Party pulled off a surprise election victory in the Netherlands. Following Mr Wilder's win, we look at what is driving right-wing populism in Europe. Italy has a right-wing populist prime minister. In Hungary there is Viktor Orban, Prime Minister since 2010, with his particular brand of nationalist populism, and in Finland the far-right Finns party is now part of the governing coalition.
Are some of the factors that secured Geert Wilders’ win also what is helping other right-wing populists in Europe? In a European context, does right-wing populism differ from far-rights politics?
Shaun Ley is joined by: Catherine Fieschi, a comparative political analyst specialising in populism, far right and authoritarian politics and a Fellow at the Robert Schuman Centre at the European University Institute in Florence; Stanley Pignal, The Economist's Brussels bureau chief and writes their Charlemagne column on Europe; Sanne van Oosten, a political scientist at the University of Oxford, Centre on Migration, Policy and Society.
Producer: Max Horberry and Ellen Otzen
(Photo: Dutch far-right politician and leader of the PVV party Geert Wilders meets the press after the PVV won the most seats in the elections, The Hague, Netherlands, 24 Nov, 2023. Credit: Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters)
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