Several key elections have taken place or are set to take place in 2024, with heightened stakes as there is a rise in the power of populist right-wing parties. The European elections in June highlighted the significant support for the far-right. In France, Emmanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly and called for early legislative elections after the results of the European elections, where the far-right Rassemblement national party won 125 seats. Meanwhile, in Austria, the Freedom Party achieved a historic victory by emerging on top in the general elections on September 29th.
Following the growing success of her party, Fratelli d’Italia, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is now seen as a kingmaker within the European Parliament. In Germany, the electoral growth of Alternative for Germany is eroding the authority of the coalition government led by the Social Democratic Party. All of this is happening before the potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States, where he is currently neck-and-neck with Kamala Harris in the polls leading up to the November 5th election.
The electoral success of these parties is one thing, but maintaining power is another challenge. However, in Hungary, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban, today’s populists have a concrete example of how they can solidify their long-term influence. Orban has been the Prime Minister of Hungary with a constitutional majority for fourteen years, giving him the power to reshape the country. His tenure at the top of the political system demonstrates how democratic institutions can become vulnerable to populist strategies.
To succeed, a populist leader must possess certain essential characteristics: charisma and a simplistic discourse blending national pride and defense against alleged external threats. They must also have the skills to build the political infrastructure needed to truly take control of their country. Few populists possess all of these attributes. Leaders like Donald Trump may have charisma, but struggle to organize and build the institutional power needed to stay in power indefinitely. Orban, on the other hand, is a model for the American right, with Senator J. D. Vance, a former running mate of Trump, stating that the US could learn a lot from Hungary. Trump himself has praised Orban as a fantastic leader.
In conclusion, the rise of populist right-wing parties in European and American politics is a significant trend with far-reaching implications. The success of these parties in elections underscores the need for mainstream political parties to address the concerns and grievances of the electorate that are driving support for populism. Understanding the strategies and tactics employed by populist leaders like Viktor Orban can provide valuable insights into how they maintain power and influence over extended periods. As the 2024 elections approach, the political landscape is evolving, and the outcome will have lasting effects on the future direction of countries and regions across the globe.
