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
The rise of right-wing populism
This interactive graphic shows the steady rise of right-wing populism in the EU since 1980.
France’s Macron warns Europe of a return to 1930s
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned Europe of a return to the 1930s because of the spread of a nationalist "leprosy" across the continent
Right-wing populism in the EU
This webgraphic provides information about right-wing populist and extrem right-wing populist parties and their results of the las nationwide parliament elections.
EU rejects Italy’s budget in eurozone first
The European Commission has rejected Italy's draft 2019 budget, the first time the EU executive has ever sent a member state back to the drawing board over spending plans
Brussels vs. Italy: the budget battle ahead
The European Commission says Italy's budget plans are a serious concern as it warns Rome could be sanctioned for breaking commitments to Brussels
Main points of Italy’s draft ‘people’s budget’
Italy's populist coalition has submitted its draft 2019 budget to the European Commission, forecasting an increase in the public deficit to 2.4 percent of gross domestic product.