European Populism Out of Steam? Times of India

Populist stances in Europe are attracting less of a following. During the 33 months after a narrow vote, more details about the costs and broken promises of Brexit have emerged. The British confront several options that come down to two choices – leaving with no deal or admitting the proposition was foolhardy while trying to patch together some deal that maintains good ties and trade with the European Union. Brexit troubles have slowed exit talk in Greece, Italy, Spain and Hungary. Likewise, hardline populism has had setbacks in Slovakia, Germany while the French yellow-vest protesters have lost support. “The brush with reality since the Brexit referendum may have blunted populist rage and made people realise the cost of separation, but the embers of economic insecurity, racial resentment, Islamophobia, and xenophobia feeding it continue to burn,” explains Nayan Chanda, founding editor of YaleGlobal. Populism faces a test in the European Parliament election in May. The trend may have peaked, if political leaders and voters determine which promises and policies are reasonable and realistic. – YaleGlobal