Left/Right Party Populism in Europe: Same same but Different?

Abstract

The existence of populist parties in national electoral arenas in Europe is no longer a novel or surprising phenomenon. In recent years, populist parties have become a rather common element of national party systems with proponents stemming from both the radical-left and the radical-right side of the political spectrum. The multiple crises in Europe, foremost the Euro crisis and Europe's migration crisis, seem to have fostered this 'stabilisation' or 'normalisation' of party populism. This panel investigates the rise and proclaimed normalisation of party populism in European countries in times of crises. The following questions are addressed: To what extent do we see a normalisation of populist party positions and rhetoric in the public debate? How have the crises increased or hampered the support for populist parties? And can we observe specific country or party patterns? What are the differences and similarities between populist radical-left and radical-right parties? The panel contributes to the debate on party dynamics and the polarisation of party systems, the effects of 'hard times' on party populism and the normalisation of party populism in national electoral arenas in Europe.