Since 2014, the influence of populist political organizations and right-wing movements in European countries has grown.
Their distinguishing features include: nationalist slogans; intolerance towards immigrants, members of national and sexual minorities; European scepticism – sceptic or negative attitude towards the European integration processes; desire to preserve traditional values of society; desire to strengthen the sovereignty of the state.
The reasons for the growing popularity of right-wing political organizations are as follows: public frustration with the current results of European integration (European migration crisis, lack of convincing answers to the new security threats to the EU); dissatisfaction of the middle class with the decline in their living standards; increased radical sentiments among young people caused by the instability of their social status (unemployment, underemployment); excessive attention to minority rights and political correctness on the part of the European Union.
Entry into power structures, or long-term participation in political struggle contribute to the transition of these organizations and movements to more moderate positions. In some cases – to the adjustment or rejection of election promises by means of their broad interpretation. Nevertheless, the characteristic features of their policies are the priority of the interests of the nation-state and tough political rhetoric.
When interacting with these political organizations, representatives of the Republic of Belarus should take into account: the propensity of members of right-wing populist organizations and movements to tough negotiations; instability of their positions due to the internal struggle against traditional political forces, as well as due to unclear or unrealistic election promises; the desire to support movements and parties of a similar kind in other countries; pursuing national interests; preference for traditional values of society; significant attention to strengthening state sovereignty.
The right-wing populist wave in Europe is an emerging phenomenon. There are several scenarios for its development.
The first scenario is the transition of most of the above-mentioned political organizations to more moderate positions. In this case, merging with the elite, they will play the role of a "lightning rod" for the population's protest moods.
The second scenario is the growth of the political weight and influence of right-wing populist organizations in most European states. This may lead to the transition of the development of European integration from the concept of "Europe of the Regions" to "Europe of the Nations" – the return of a number of powers from the supranational institutions of the EU to individual states.
The third scenario is the suppression of these movements by the ruling elites. Its success will depend on the ability of European governments to respond effectively to the problems that led to the growing influence of the right-wing populist.