But there is mounting evidence that Europe’s nationalist, xenophobic and
populist fringe is finding it more difficult to attract voters. As
campaign slogans collide with reality, many on the Continent who might
once have cast a protest vote are rethinking their decisions as both
countries struggle with political chaos and uncertainty. Their gripe
with the political establishment may still be quite real, but their
inclination to punish it through the ballot box has dampened.[...]
The far right has also lost its monopoly on fiery rhetoric and tough
political agendas, most noticeably on the issue of migration, where both
discourse and policy have markedly hardened. From Dutch Prime Minister
Mark Rutte’s ultimatum — “Act normal or leave!” — to tightened asylum
policies in Germany, the political mainstream has scrambled to placate
the anxieties and disaffection that fueled voters’ shift to the right.
And this pandering to nationalist impulses seems to be working — at
least in the short term. [...]
Facing down the populist challenge will demand soul-searching, vigilance
and savvy — both from governments and opposition benches. Most
importantly, it will take all the political sobriety European citizens
can muster as they enter the voting booths. The good news is that these
political reflexes are kicking in. This will likely be a disappointing
year for Europe’s far right.
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