Populist parties have performed successfully at elections all across Europe in recent years. As a result, they govern in a number of EU member states, either by absolute majority or as part of a coalition. Current examples include Fidesz in Hungary, PiS in Poland, the Austrian FPÖ, the AfD in Germany and the ruling coalition of MoVimento 5 Stelle (M5S) and Lega in Italy. Populism is by no means a new phenomenon in Europe. However, the recent refugee crisis has allowed parties mainly from the right-wing policy spectrum to reach new levels of popularity. Many observers are eager to see how nationalist, populist and anti-European candidates will fare in the upcoming European elections.
Populism
Simple answers to complex questions
Italy’s PM is a trailblazer, just don’t call her feminist
In her rapid rise through Italian politics, Giorgia Meloni has repeatedly shattered the glass ceiling and has now become the first woman premier in the still staunchly patriarchal country
Limits to EU hard-right front around Meloni: analysts
Italian election winner Giorgia Meloni may at first glance have much in common with the ultra-conservative governments in Poland and Hungary, but experts say any alliance could soon run into limits
Matteo and Giorgia: Italy’s far-right rivals set for power
Matteo Salvini was once the poster boy of Italy's far-right but the popularity of Giorgia Meloni has reduced him to a junior -- and potentially disruptive -- partner in their election coalition
What now? Re-elected Polish president’s key challenges
Despite narrowly winning re-election, Polish President Andrzej Duda will face a newly energised opposition as the country's economy heads for its first recession in decades
Will Italy’s coronavirus crisis fuel the far-right?
Italy is staring down the barrel of the worst recession since World War II, which could bolster the far-right and damage the country's love affair with the EU, analysts say
Italy’s political crisis: Nearly 15 months of high drama
A recap of nearly 15 months of drama in Italian politics, after Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte was handed a mandate to form a new government last week