EU : Social Exclusion, Polarised Societies, and Technocracy Leads to Populism, New Study Argues

After the 2008 financial crisis, citizens supported more populist forces in Hungary, Greece, Poland, Italy, and several other EU countries. Populist attitudes are stronger in countries without jobs and education for citizens between 15 and 34 years old. Technocratic governance and polarised societies favour populism.

More than causing an economic shock, the 2008 financial crisis left behind a stronger support for populist parties across most of the EU’s Member States. Support has been stronger in Hungary, Greece, Poland, and Italy. These are the main findings of a working paper, released by DEMOS today, which investigates what public policies have triggered the latest rise of populism in Europe.

By analysing international datasets between 2008 and 2016 and four national case studies, the research found that country context matters. Policies that leave behind a vulnerable landscape of greater poverty, social exclusion, and high unemployment trigger citizens’ support for populism, particularly the left-wing type.

 The lack of policies favouring job creation and educational training for citizens between 15 and 34 years old was also found to predict populist attitudes. “This may be a first step in the rise of populism”, says Attila Bartha, from the Centre for Social Sciences in Budapest, who led the research. “When a skilful political entrepreneur embraces populism and there is a supply of populist parties, public support for populist forces will increase.” 

Read more at: 
Social Exclusion, Polarised Societies, and Technocracy Leads to Populism, New Study Argues | News | CORDIS | European Commission