Right Wing Populism in Europe: An Analysis of Hungary and Poland

Author(s) : Dr. Ghulam Mustafa, Bisma Waseem

Abstract:

The rise of right-wing populism is a significant ideology which combines populist beliefs with right-wing policies, highlighting nationalism, anti-elitism, and protectionism. Across Europe, right-wing populist movements such as Hungary’s Fidesz party, Poland’s Law and Justice Party are on the rise and exerting pressure on liberal democracy and reconfiguring fixed political and economic structures. The effects embrace labor, scarcity of foreign investment, and economic insecurity followed by economic stagnation, increase in economic inequality, and cultural fears as a result of globalization. Right-wing populists consider historical injustices and societal phobias and they exploit the respective sentiments with welfare programs as well as protectionist policies that may have immediate positive impact on the electorate. Also, populist ideas have impact on social relations and the institutions especially trade unions, increasing challenges in a political sphere which in turn impacts employment rights. There’s a need for understanding the nature of the right-wing populism and its future implications for a society and democracy under rising international politics.