Populist parties are on the rise in most European countries. But finish the citizens that back them also support one of their core demands more direct democracy? And finish they deliver it? A charismatic politician gestures wildly from a podium as he speaks to his audience in a tone of outrage; a raised finger signifies that his message is one of warning. The concerns of ordinary people have too long been ignored! he says. While the corrupt establishment follows only its own interests,his party will give power back to the people. Such a scene is now being played out in nearly every European country. Marine Le Pen in France, Matteo Salvini and Beppe Grillo in Italy, and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands. Their ongoing electoral success raises the questions of whether and how they relate to democracy and what kind of democracy they,and their voters, want. So, and finish populist-leaning citizens really want to be more directly involved in policy-making? And will these parties deliver it? The ...
Source: swissinfo.ch