Challenges for liberal democracy in Europe

Abstract

The article examines the current state of liberal democracy in Europe. Special attention is paid to the growing popularity of radical populist parties. Attention is drawn to the fact that support for radical parties, both left and right, is growing. The author emphasizes that this is not a surprise, as these parties have been laying the groundwork for this breakthrough for decades. Subjective and objective factors that influenced the transition of radical populist parties from outsiders to parties that are becoming parliamentary parties in an increasing number of European countries are analyzed. It is noted that this did not happen all at once, but gradually, over a number of election cycles. The reaction to certain problems of social life of right and left radicals is similar, and to others – different. But each of these parties has a set of problems that are of particular interest. The article points out that although anti-immigrant rhetoric contributed to the success of far-right populist parties to a large extent, calling them "one-issue" parties is an oversimplification. The harsh anti-immigration policy of the right-wing radicals, which affects the interests of millions, is expected to generate protests, conflicts, lead to the growth of xenophobia, racism, and thereby create a threat to public consensus and stability. It is also pointed out that radical parties of another spectrum – left radical parties – are also becoming more influential. The conclusions of the article highlight the possible consequences of these changes in the political establishment and say that this may affect the interests of Ukrainians who became forced refugees after the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war and Ukraine, as a state in need of support and assistance, in the conditions of an asymmetric war . The author considers the growing popularity of radical, populist parties as a challenge to liberal democracy.