"Europe’s new populists are united in their opposition to immigration, their hostility to Muslims...

[pampango]

For all that divides them, however, Europe’s new populists are united in their opposition to immigration, their hostility to Muslims and their demand that the powers of the European Union should be rolled back. Most owe their electoral gains to disaffected working-class and lower middle-class voters. For many of these, globalisation and European integration have brought few apparent benefits but have exposed them through immigration to greater competition for jobs and public services at a time of increased economic insecurity.

Despite promises to bring Europe closer to its people, successive EU treaties have made Brussels appear, if anything, more remote and incomprehensible to many citizens. The weakness of pan-European political movements and the technocratic nature of much that happens in Brussels means that many voters feel they have little political purchase on EU decision-making.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks helped to intensify and sometimes legitimise the anti-Muslim prejudice that had been growing long before throughout much of Europe as societies struggled to come to terms with a new, multicultural reality. Successful populists cut through the complexity of issues like Europe, economic interdependence and multiculturalism with simple, apparently common sense prescriptions.

Where Europe’s right-wing populists have tasted power, they have helped to introduce tougher immigration laws and targeted religious and ethnic minorities with restrictive measures. Many of their initiatives have been either fruitless or counter-productive and the rise of far-right groups can have a chilling effect on inward economic investment. The most lasting impact of the new populism may, however, be its role in coarsening the political discourse in many European countries.

Neither pandering nor handwringing is likely to halt the rise of the right unless Europe’s political leaders address the alienation that is driving the new movements. Social Democrats have an especially important role to play in developing more compelling policies and reconnecting with their core constituency.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2011/0502/1224295867401.html

[aquart]

1. Duh!

And let's not forget the coming food and fuel shortages.

[AndyTiedye]

2. That Has Always Been the Problem with "Populists" (in the USA as Well)

Populism has always pretended to address the economic difficulties of the working (and want-to-be-working) class by blaming them on foreigners and brown people.