The document discusses the resilience of democratic institutions against populist movements across Europe, particularly in the UK and Italy. The author identifies a triangular relationship between the people, political projects, and institutions. Populist movements often perceive the people as a homogeneous body, opposing traditional political interests. These movements frequently base their political projects on a specific interpretation of the citizens' will.
In the UK, the Brexit movement has seen a shift from a unified will of the people to a fragmented view with multiple possible outcomes. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit often equates the people's will with his own interpretation, ignoring the role of parliamentary representation. The judiciary acted as a counterweight to Johnson's policies by declaring his attempt to shut down Parliament illegal. This led to new legislation preventing a no-deal Brexit, potentially forcing Johnson to extend negotiations or call for new elections.
In Italy, President Sergio Mattarella played a crucial role in forming a government between the Five Star Movement and the Democratic Party, which displaced Matteo Salvini, who had previously ousted Conte's government. Salvini accused the new government of undermining Italian citizens' will and promoting hatred against the League. However, institutional resistance reduced the ambitions of both Johnson's Conservative party and Salvini's League.
Despite these instances, other European countries like Germany, Austria, Sweden, and the US have shown varying degrees of institutional resilience against populism. In Hungary and Poland, however, populist parties like Fidesz and Law and Justice have captured significant power, challenging institutional independence.
The document concludes that while there is evidence of institutional resilience against populism in some countries, it would be naive to suggest that the threat of populism has been completely neutralized due to democratic resistance. Populist movements still enjoy strong public support, often rooted in economic inequality, unmet expectations, and cultural identity crises. Resilient institutions may withstand populist pressures but show signs of wear, indicating the ongoing struggle between populism and democracy.
