Populism is struggling to break through. Ever since the 2014 European Parliament elections, commentators have been talking about a rising tide of national populism sweeping away traditional European parties of the left and right. Brexit seemed to confirm this narrative, and for a time it looked liked the populists were poised to take control in elections in France, the Netherlands, and Austria.
That’s not what happened. The first wobble was in the Netherlands, when the Freedom Party of anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders was beaten soundly into second place by Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Next came the defeat of the far-right Norbert Hofer in the Austrian Presidential poll by the Greens. Finally, and most recently, Marine Le Pen of the anti-immigrant Front National was sent packing in the French Presidential vote by a relative newcomer to politics, Emmanuel Macron.
Even more remarkably, Macron seems to have definitively crushed the attempt by the Front National to break through in legislative elections for the National Assembly. His En Marche! party is predicted to take more than two thirds of the seats in the second round on 18 June, leaving the centre-right trailling in second place, with only a handful of seats for the far-right Front National.
What do our readers think? We had a comment sent in by Georgia, who believes that Marine Le Pen will come back stronger in five years’ time. Sure, she didn’t win the most recent vote, but if Macron doesn’t deliver then she could win the next one in 2022.
To get a reaction, we took Georgia’s comment to Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President of the European Commission. How would he respond?
Curious to know more about populism in the EU? We’ve put together some facts and figures in the infographic below (click for a bigger version).
For another reaction to Georgia’s comment, we also took it to Anton Pelinka, Professor of Political Science and Nationalism Studies at the Central European University of Budapest. What did he think?
Well, I think in both the French and Austrian case, it’s obvious that there is a majority against right-wing populism. In both cases, Macron and Van der Bellen, were able to mobilise a majority of centrist and leftist voters against far-right populism. That means far-right populism is significant, but not the silent majority it sometimes claims to be. There is a majority against far-right populism; it’s important to unify this potential of anti-extremist sentiment, and this happened in France and in Austria.
Next up, we had a comment from João was 100% sure that populist parties would win the recent elections in France, the Netherlands, and Austria. Obviously, that didn’t happen. So, how did he get it so wrong? How would Frans Timmermans explain what happened?
Then we had a comment from Enric, who points out that the vote share for populist parties is still going up, even though there haven’t been major breakthroughs since Brexit. In other words, he thinks the ‘populist tide’ is still rising. What would Timmermans say?
Finally, we had a comment from Konstantinos, who believes that to win the Dutch election, Prime Minister Mark Rutte adopted Wilders’ nationalist-populist rhetoric and embraced most of Wilders’ political agenda. So, does that mean that Rutte is a populist now? How would Frans Timmermans respond?
To get another perspective, we also put Konstantinos’ comment to Philippe Legrain, a political economist and writer (and founder of the Open Political Economy Network) who has written about populism extensively. What would he say to Konstantinos?
Finally, we put the same comment to Professor Pelinka. How would he respond?
Well, I think the Dutch case underlines there is no clear borderline between populism and non-populism. To win elections, centrist parties can be tempted to take over some of the populist agenda. Though this is what we call ‘populism light’. It’s a difficult strategy because on the one hand it can prevent right-wing populism from winning, but on the other side it can mean that the agenda of right-wing populism in the guise of centrist parties in government is still victorious. So, yes, it is a danger. Populism light is, on the one hand, a possible strategy to succeed against right-wing popopulism, but on the other hand it could mean that the substance is almost the same.
Can the EU survive populism? Why did national populists fail to breakthrough in the recent French, Dutch, and Austrian elections? And can mainstream political movements defeat populism without becoming populist themselves? Let us know your thoughts and comments in the form below and we’ll take them to policymakers and experts at the EESC Civil Society Days (#CSdays2017)!
IMAGE CREDITS – CC / Flickr – David B Young

In partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) – Civil Society Days 2017 #CSdays2017.
For more information about the Civil Society Days 2017, please check: www.eesc.europa.eu/csdays2017
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Populism – noun – support for the concerns of ordinary people…
Why do you think populism is bad? EU cannot survive without populism. Populism is not bad
populism
ˈpɒpjʊlɪz(ə)m/
noun
noun: populism
support for the concerns of ordinary people.
“it is clear that your populism identifies with the folks on the bottom of the ladder”
the quality of appealing to or being aimed at ordinary people.
This tinfoil master again…
What is “tinfoil” about definition of populism?
Dictionary definitions = Tinfoil conspiracies
AHAHAHAHAHAAAA
Populism is inventing a myth of an Elite which is totally to blame for everything and a myth of ‘The People’ who are not responsible for anything but can authorise absolutely anything. It’s a perversion of democracy that inverts it into its opposite.
Not really. Its not about putting blame. That is communism and socialism. People vs the 1% . Workers vs elites
The correct definition is :political ideas and activities that are intended to get the support of ordinary people by giving them what they want. That means you can even use propaganda to achieve political goals.
if we can get a corbyn government in the uk and the snp are more appreciated in scotland again, then maybe we can have a stronger proper left, then populism will have to knuckle down.
First of all, define populism.
Can the EU survive rationalism? Might be a better question..
Populism is a message that we need a people-centric EU not servitude to corporations and big money.
There will always be populism while ignorance is tolerated.
It is easy to see, who is ignorant
We are all ignorant… Even if we know a lot we still far from reality, far from what’s going on in the governors and elites back stage…
People tend to delusionally speculate about the “Elite”, “Illuminati” and etc. what gives them false illusion that “Simple People”, like Trump will save them. This is tolerance for ignorance in action. The question is how do we prevent this?
Populism is the only possible solution for EU. Wild capitalism is the grave of EU.
Wow, how deluded. Let’s go back to the 20th century!
No, let’s go ahead in the future with populism! It is time to change towards better and liveable world, it’s time to take care of people, of nature. It’s time to throw down the so called “elite” in the mud!!!
Populism could be a solution for a better EU, I agree. But economically, I think socialism is the grave of EU, over-regulated capitalism or corporatism. Big corporations always prefer left wing politics, higher taxes, more regulations. It kills competition, which is the biggest threat for them. The bigger the government, the better for corporations.
Ni uno ni otro
Have a look to Scandinavian systems… Not perfect, but far more honest, and fair…
Populism – promising people what they need
Government – elected representatives to fulfill people needs
Populist Government – elected representatives who promise people to fulfill those needs…
Whats wrong with that?
isn’t it what we call DEMOCRACY?
Technically, but the question refers to unrealistic promises that don’t always represent the best ideals to which EU adheres to. It’s tapping into people’s political knee jerk reaction for that campaign, enhancing and putting emphasis on social smoke screens instead of inviting countries to debate or forming more lines of communication with the public in order to find common ground and level headed progress.
So, you tell me that will of the people has no place in politics and only will of few not bureaucrats should decide how millions of people will live?
Example:
> Bureaucrats tell us that biggest problem in world in Climate Change and threat of Russia aggression.
> Populist parties in Lithuania say that our biggest problems are 150 Euro//month basic pension, 350 euro/month minimal (~800 average) salary before taxes after 13 years of Single market in EU and mass Emigration that leave our country without working power.
Now guess what people want more? Better life style today that our elders could eat something else than water today or forbidding all fuel powered cars older than 10 years making them expensive as duck and making it luxury?
And solving which problem will make life better for people?
Vytautas Vėžys name one populist party that actually held their “economical” promises once elected. I will need facts and data. I will wait…
Well, I guess we got our marbles mixed up here. I thought the populists are saying russian threat is a thing. What Lithuania has is bad, arguably better than Romania, but end of day we’re brothers in suffering, we’re not even in Shengen or Eurozone although we do our best. Call me utopic, although if I dig enough I can bring up numbers and realistic projections on how it might be doable with the right policy. I don’t believe that banning 10 yo cars and/or making them expensive should be the only side of the deal. I am reasonably sure the government can set up auctions in attracting electric car companies or normal car companies that are leaning towards electric/hybrid line of production in Lithuania could create jobs and encourage the population to transition towards electric automotive power provided some sensible subsidies regarding recharging the batteries go (example Tesla who provides infinite electric recharge if you buy their car.). Is it the best option on the short run? Probably pesky for politicians to make auctions without sucking a bit of interest and olygarchic rubbish, sure. Are those cars objectively better, safe and enviromental friendly? Yeah. Unfortunately we can’t deny the existance and heaviness of claims regarding russian aggression in the baltic region and you don’t have to be too loud for the market to hear and lower investment and number of investors. I am sure, however, that it is possible to open lines of communication and request more european plans for getting on these lists of increasing industry, there’s a neat opening in lack of UK and I am pretty sure the countries or europarlimentars and their governments if they pay attention can gain from UK’s leaving in regards to better contracts with us in the single market.
There needs to be a sustainable growth in pension and wages and if it doesn’t work we must see why and how. I am too ignorant to know the macro economics of Lithuania and wouldn’t give opinions on it, I am just advocating that I am against single-issue populist messages whether they come from various parties and groups or from political parties. Whether it’s “THE RUSSIANS” or “THE GAYS” or… get me? I’m not against any sort of party that has a political opinion that is arguably and objectively pro progress and economical growth in a country. But that’s what I meant by my position. Populist stance in Romania “Gays are unnatural sick people.”. Populist stance in Hungary “Transylvania should become autonomous.”. Like these knee jerk UKIP Nigel Farage finger up the butt then once the deed is done fuck all and leave the stage leaving other people to clean your populist mess. I am sure we agree on this point as you’ve made valid points in regard to serious issues that need addressed vs warmongering and alienating our eastern bear.
Alex Sekkpfb Well in my country they promised to rise minimal wage and pensions and they did, they promised stop wasting money on non necessary bureaucrat positions and they did, they promised to stop corrupt in government and now we have shitload of investigations on politicians who used their relatives and fake companies to steal money from budget.
So as much as I see populists did more for country than average “carrier politician”.
P.S. You do know that we delegate to European Parliament those, who were kicked out of our own Parliament cause they lost elections and don’t have people support?
How can people like Vilija Blinkevičiūtė represent our people when she fcuked up our social system? She is the example of populist who wasted all social security budged and increased pensions by unmeasured amount just before elections to get more votes. That’s why her party sent her to EU, cause people would burn her at stake for what she did…
And the opposite is “unpopular elitism” :-)
Never.
Course it can, we’re not savages.
It’s already weathering the storm.
Populism is about doing what the people want. If the EU cannot survive that then it absolutely needs to die.
Can EU survive elitism? Because populism means nothing
There is NO populism, just incompetent,corrupt EU leaders !!! Especialy Liberals wich are destroying our way of life !!
Populism is more in danger than the EU. Wilders, Le Pen en Beppe Grillo down and the torries lost again. Great times we live in!
And what do you know of Grillo and italian politics exactly? :D
The very fact you label it alongside lepen screams “I take my information from distorted international sources which just dismiss m5s as fascism”
I did not say Grillo was a fascist, but a populist.
Populism is more in danger than the EU. Wilders, Le Pen en Beppe Grillo down and the torries lost again. Great times we live in!
Populism is more in danger than the EU. Wilders, Le Pen en Beppe Grillo down and the torries lost again. Great times we live in!
Populism is more in danger than the EU. Wilders, Le Pen en Beppe Grillo down and the torries lost again. Great times we live in!
Can the EU survive populism?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYMWaBPLdrU
There is no such thing as populism in politics. The masses moving in one direction is called, ‘the will of the people.’ And what is that? Its, name is Democracy.
it has to as otherwise we’re headed straight for another war.
Saying the truth is now labeld as…populism, racism, homophobic, nazi, fascists…bla bla bla
Better: Can the EU survive without populism?
On a long enough timeline, the Empire of the EU has only one destiny: termination.
Can Europe survive islamist extremism and suicidal EU-policies?
Sure it can. And will.
The Union is in the best interest of us Europeans. And of our nations. As we need it in order to protect stability, security and the role of international law in our foreign relations. As it provides structures and institutions which help us govern the many interdependent peoples living on our continent. As it gives us the leverage to help create and defend global structures which enable us to stay competitive and wealthy – and to stick to our way of life.
Frank Burgdörfer
In fact is the Union is in the worst interests of the European people. And most especially of our nations. It is creating instability and chaos across Europe and between its peoples. Which is what is wanted by those at the back of the friction.
International law is a nonsense. By whose practice is it based on and who are the people who backed it? Certainly not the Western tax payers who are expected to pay for this protection racket. The interdependent people are being robbed by a bunch of unelected politically frenzied group of individuals who have no authority to decide which laws should be upheld and which should not.
The Global structures you speak of are banks and financial institutions set up to protect billionaire Globalists not to protect the man in the street paying for the con men who cheat them to carry on with the game. Look at Greece.
Who is it you speak of that is staying wealthy and competitive? And which part of Europe is able to stick to its way of life? Please don’t make me laugh. Europeans are not close to being able to cling to their way of life. Their way of life has been sold down the river to assist a barrel full of Hedge Funders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYBJDRmSMRY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD0MZMlMrFY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM6VxhBvJhY
Yes, I think so, but only with more political union and if starts showing more interes for the European citizens.
Non, et tan mieux.
What the EU cannot survive is greed based ponzi economics..
Could the EU survive democracy ?
The question is can the EU survive Merkel?
Populism is inventing a myth of an Elite which is totally to blame for everything and a myth of ‘The People’ who are not responsible for anything but can authorise absolutely anything.
It’s a perversion of democracy that inverts it ultimately into its opposite, via ochlocracy or tyranny of the majority. It tends to become totalitarianism later, or be very amenable to manipulation into a totalitarian period.
That’s exactly how it is.
No it is not. You are talking about socialism and communism. Populism is listening to the common man, and they are not all agasinst elites
Nope. Lame attempt at misinterpreting.
Democracy means we are all responsible – populism says we’re not responsible for anything, the Elite is to blame for everything, but whatever popular opinion or majority will says is automatically authorised with no legitimate constraints -such as, objective facts, universal equal and inalienable human rights.
Populism is an opportunistic political strategy to subvert democracy, which tends to lead to, or effectively aid through changing the social norms of public discourse, fascism.
We should change the question in: “Can EU survive its disastrous policies?”
The populism is founded on false promises. It is some political fashion only. The EU will survive the populism.
Europe survived the Black Death ;)
of course we can….
Hopefully not.
Absolutely.
Recent elections results are the best answer.
Will we survive to the bankers, and media bullshit… That’s the question!
Answer: yes. If there are leaders worthy of respect speaking out against it and seriously addressing the grievances that drive people towards populist exploitative “politicians”.
It should.
This actual model of Europe has been a failure from too many perspectives for too many people for far too long. There is a huge gap between idealistic dreams, promises and high expectations, and cruel reality. “Populism” is just the tip of the iceberg, the dissatisfaction level is huge and at the social level, there are way too many left behind. Good luck in not want to change the way EU is governed … :)
We survived the Nazi’s.
So… YES.
If Macron got on with a huge popular vote, as described, does that mean he is a populist? Or is populism just a popular policy you disagree with, especially if you perceive that the people supporting it didn’t go to university or are working men and women.
Populism = the word most used in politics however nobody knows what it means….
Populism is telling people what they want to hear, blaming always others for your mistakes and lack of transparency, that’s what populism is..
Mirela Moldovan I thought that was politics?
Indeed about politics: “Political parties and politicians often use the terms populist and populism as pejoratives against their opponents. Such a view sees populism as demagogy, merely appearing to empathize with the public through rhetoric or unrealistic proposals in order to increase appeal across the political spectrum.[2]”
Like blaming russians, pretending that everthing is OK în actual EU instititions?
Ioan Mitiu, why don’t you just move there?
If its plan for survival is dismissing the opposition as populism, then it won’t and it will be your fault.
This aloof attitude is ignorant and intolerable. The kind of people who dismiss 5 star movement as some sort of fascist party without a hint of knowledge of italian politics.
Why do you call populism the speach of free people fed up with the corruption and misleading of the EU?. The sooner this band of thieves packs up the sooner Europe will regain greatness.
can the EU survive their current political and public image?
French nationalism = RACISM!
It MUST! It must survive all those opportunistic ideas that are driven by opportunistic politicians for their own aggrandizement.
If that is what you call “populism” so be it.
And of this “populism” it is not a matter of CAN but a matter of MUST!
It MUST! It must survive all those opportunistic ideas that are driven by opportunistic politicians for their own aggrandizement.
If that is what you call “populism” so be it.
And of this “populism” it is not a matter of CAN but a matter of MUST!
Populism is listening to the common man. Populism is democracy that does not forget the people. Media is trying to demonize that word as something ugly.
Populism is telling people what they want to hear, blaming always others for your mistakes and lack of transparency, that’s what populism is..
And from Wikipedia:
“Political parties and politicians often use the terms populist and populism as pejoratives against their opponents. Such a view sees populism as demagogy, merely appearing to empathize with the public through rhetoric or unrealistic proposals in order to increase appeal across the political spectrum.[2]”
If that is so …then all politics is populism. All of it. Also wikipedia was compromised politically.
“empathize with the public through rhetoric or unrealistic proposals in order to increase appeal across the political spectrum”
..there is a key phrase in there …”unrealistic proposals” ………..much of the anti-EU sentiment that Europhiles like to label as “populist” is completely realistic….so they choose to deride it with a populist label purely because it is against their blinkered liberal left agenda
YES
We survived your communism and totalitarian radical liberalism, and we are stronger and stronger! Your political end is in sight! Stalinist monsters!
Can Europe survive totalitarianism ?
http://m.journal-neo.org/2016/12/13/its-beginning-to-smell-a-lot-like-totalitarianism-and-i-dont-mean-russia/
http://m.journal-neo.org/2017/06/14/get-ready-for-the-world-truth-ministry-and-the-unimaginable/
Everything that opposes liberalism is not populism but realism.
not
No… They are on a one way street to hell and gone soon there will be no control over anything, anywhere… Their dumb choices…
The EU must learn there is also the left populism, this one is accepted by the mainstream and media. It is a shame. Populism from the right or left is always bad.
Yes!!!!
EU should become populist.
yeah. this left-wing populism is killing us…
Can the EU survive? or it should return to the EEC?
It will only become worse with all their crazy destructive values and policies!
Only in UK, surprisingly
If people trust their leaders, they will vote according to ideas and ideals. If people do not trust their leaders, they will vote according to fears and frustrations. Populism is a clear signal that something is wrong.
Europe was built on shared founding principles, but austerity measures that increase inequality make a mockery of cohesion, international treaty negotiations behind closed doors thumb their nose at transparency, laws tailored to big business and large fortunes sell out our democracy… Hypocrisy is no basis for trust. The EU doesn’t even need to reform, all it has to do is act according to its own founding principles. Unless the EU is for all of us, don’t expect all of us to stand behind it.
Omul din foto cîntă la popic?
Vuvuzea!
A što je s birokracijom, birokratskim umom?
Can Europe survive the EU?
Yes, it survived all kind of “leaders” The continent Europe will also survive the EU
Can the EU survive populism?
EU, populism is one man one vote. And that is called Democracy.
you are making the wrong question!!! Can Europe survive without NACIONALISM??? If we don’t preserve ourselves, who’s going to do it??? The politicians who are selling us the stupid and suicidal idea of globalism, and multiculturalism??? if you don’t know who or what you are, you can no longer fight for it… OPEN YOUR EYES. Remember who you are… don’t let them take it from you…
We are nations with history, culture , heritage customs that have to remain as they are . Nationalism means that we respect our land and love our nation and we want to pass it on to the next generation. We have to respect each other as we are without trying to change into something else. Its not going to work. We are beautiful as we are .
Well, both Wilders and Le Pen have become irrelevant and have crawled back to their nationalist hole. Same thing will happen in Germany in autumn. The Brits have always been different and it appears that they enjoy stewing in their own juice.
Check Your facts, SIR.
For the current French president`s program voted 16% of the French. The rest are protest votes.
Wilders won 8 seats . The current “I -smile-away-all problems” Rutte lost 8 seats
Therefor we desparatly need new faces in politics.
New faces not afraid to call facts and DO something instead of blindfolded follow Berlin
It depends on how quickly the public realises they trusted these mainstream populists parties to long.
Dicovering the standard EU promises are build on thin air.
One -size-fits-none.
Not even in the European Transferunion
It already is. The UK does not seem to be…
Populism = Agents of Economic protectionism which is responsible for the economic crisis in the EU
.
Utter rubbish, the EU is responsible for the mess it is in.
End the British State Sponsored Turkish Military Invasion and occupation of EU member Cyprus since 1974 which is a British- Turkish alliance against the United States in Cyprus , which violates the sovereignty of EU member Cyprus , so as to provide the British Military bases in Cyprus a security advantage against American efforts since 1950 in trying to expel the British Military from Cyprus so as to be replaced with the establishment of American military bases in Cyprus , that has has been thwarted by the British State Sponsored Turkish Military invasion and occupation of Cyprus since 1974 , which resulted in the US military committing the worlds biggest foreign policy military debacle not seen since the ancient Trojan War as admitted by American Pentagon officials in the form of the US military overthrow of the Saddam Hussein Baathist Regime in Iraq in 2003 that lasted till 2013,
.
No it can’t, ‘Europeanism’ will be consigned to the dustbin of history alongside those other failed European ideologies of Fascism, Nazism & Communism.
“Can the EU survive populism”
Reworded into it’s literal sense… “Can the EU continue to ignore the concerns of the average European citizen”
all Nacionalists of europe togheter!!! remove ur-self from ma friend list if ur not european nacionalists.
we in europe will be populist for ever. dictature of bruxells will fall down.
“populists” you guys made up so many names to make europeans look bad, just show we the “populists” are right.
Die EU, die! :D
oh yes… EU can survive populisma… It is the political corrctness that cannot survive
Can the EU survive islamic terrorist attacks?
Can The EU survive herself ?
EU Sucks. Bigtime.
Populist point out a lot of reality. If the EU fails, it will be because of the EU.
Wrong question!!! Will Europe survive it’s ruling leaders ?????
Yes she can.Europe can’t survive Islamic terrorism and political correctness.
Populism is an invented by European corrupt elite term without any content in order to defame citizen s rights movement .All using it serve corrupt elite-market sharks-warmongerism
That’s it!
In the article u kinda grouped together the terms populism and nationalism… Let me remind you that if the nationalists were at power, yesterday events might not have happened …
Nationalists (light) are in power in the UK and i can’t think of a more fustigated country in Europe by terrorism!
Give me a break with such theoretical questions in the mid of the havoc when chains of terror attacks are taking place!!!
POPULISM, EUROPEANS FIRST.
No, Merkel, Juncker, Moguerini, Malmstrom… Too many populists to let EU survive..
Another name for ‘populism’ is democracy and no, the antidemocratic EU can not survive.
You’re the second one in row to say that. Who told you guys this lie? This is not correct. Populism does not mean democracy. Look it up again, this is a wrong assumption.
Y a r i
Definition of ‘populism’:
The political doctrine that supports the rights and powers of the common people in their struggle with the privileged elite
Defintion of ‘Democracy’:
Rule by the ‘common people’ via their elected representatives as opposed to rule by an unelected privileged elite.
Please educate yourself before lecturing others.
Populism is not democracy. Check the concept in a dictionary
Marcelo Augusto Pires ? I just posted the dictionary definitions. lol
Only with capable and pro-active political leadership, that will get Europe out of the stalemate and crisis. Otherwise dark days are coming.
what about corrupted politicians in al EU states?
Maybe not, thanks to stupid terrorist attacks, will feed the hate promoted by populism.
Populists are loud but that’s all they are. Europe has been vaccinated against it last century (with extreme prejudice). As long as that lesson is not forgotten by the majority we’re preaty safe!
So was it “vacvinated” or not? You don’t seem very sure. I’m certainly sure no one was vaccinated at all or they would not allow a supremacist regime made by coporatist elites such as the EU to exist. They have learn nothing from last century. From 1945 to 2017 Europe lost democratic values, sovereignty, social awarness and economical power…Back to the dark ages under the Nazi rule…this time with capital in Brussels.
I hope not.
Populism: advocating for what the common man wants, and not the political elite. If Europe cannot survive that, then it does not deserve to survive.
Sorry but it is not the right definition of populism. It is fake. It is manoeuvering the masses. It may look like democracy, but it is not. It is what some regimes made in South America for a while, unfortunately
Actually, that is the correct definition. But as is often the case in the Great Tolerant Crusade Against People With A Different Opinion, the term has been taken by the “progressive” left to be abused and to be turned into some kind of evil variant of its former self. Because dismissing someone as “a populist” is so much easier than coming up with actual arguments.
I hope EU CAN SURVIVE the Islamization
Populism is corruption… something has to be done to destroy muslim war against europe and that will and with their terror caliphate
Can EU survive from the corrupt politicians
With truthful deeds & simple language, transparent intentions, equal equitability (tricky one, I know) and availlable education through direct accessible media (main stream media), Yes, I think we can.
Yet, before that: each national corporation (as they influence national politics) needs an adjustement in its focus on profitable interests and an end of games – a redefinition of, if you want…
Respecting european peoples’ democratic rights is no populism, overruling these rights with EU directives is dictatorship, and that will cause the EU destruction if going on as is.
The EU cannot survive democracy.
Can the EU survive the two apprentices (the Alcoholist and the Analphabet) of Darth Soros :-( ?
How many times have you posted this topic. Populism is a term used by the ruling elite when they are out of touch with reality.
The EU can’t survive itself…
Yes we kan t but widaut globalización ,aut corupcion ,social politics and whit Arfica a good deplomacy!
Can the EU survive without populism? No.
IMO the EU can survive populism if it really embraces European identity, particularly concerning immigration. Most Europeans don’t mind fellow European migrants – who are similar ethno-culturally and are easily assimilable – but are often skeptical of non-European (especially Islamic) immigration. (If the EU also learns from its mistakes on economic policy, then it would be home free.)
EU cannot survive populism but at the same time it cannot survive lobbying that controls the decision makers. Its a dead end both ways…
NO. Europe is doomed.