The Hard Right Faces a Reality Check in Power
Populist movements across Europe and the Americas struggle to fulfill ambitious campaign promises.
1Populism Under Pressure
For years, hard-right and populist parties appeared unstoppable across Europe and the Americas. They consistently gained electoral ground, often absorbing traditional right-wing platforms into their own extremist agendas. However, recent developments suggest that the momentum behind these movements is stalling as they face the harsh realities of governing and public scrutiny.
2Recent Electoral Setbacks
The political landscape shifted significantly in late 2024. In Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić lost power after fourteen years, while Brazil’s Lula defeated Flavio Bolsonaro. Simultaneously, the United States saw the Republican Party suffer a historic defeat during mid-term elections, signaling a potential turning point for populist influence in major Western democratic nations.
3The Governance Gap
The primary reason for these electoral losses is the failure of hard-right parties to deliver on their ambitious campaign promises once in office. Voters who were initially drawn to populist rhetoric have become disillusioned. The transition from opposition campaigning to actual governance has exposed significant gaps between their populist promises and reality.
4The American Case Study
Donald Trump’s second term, starting in January 2025, serves as a critical example of this disillusionment. Despite pledges to repatriate industrial production and secure borders, his administration faced intense criticism for chaos and economic neglect. Observers describe a nation becoming unrecognizable under a leadership style perceived as vindictive and constitutionally disruptive.
5Ideological Persistence
Despite recent electoral retreats, the hard right remains a potent political force. Viktor Orbán retained 38% of the vote in Hungary, and the Alternative for Germany party continues to show strength in regional polls. Marine Le Pen in France and the MAGA movement in America remain significant actors in future political cycles.
6Institutional Radicalization
The appointment of radical ideologue Stephen Miller as chief of staff signals that Trump remains determined to push his agenda despite electoral setbacks. This move suggests that the hard right is not abandoning its core strategies but rather doubling down on its ideological commitments, setting the stage for intense future political battles.
7The Moderate Challenge
Moderate parties now face the difficult task of reconquering public opinion to maintain their recent gains. To succeed, the left must move beyond abstract debates and focus on the daily necessities of the population. Recent campaign shifts suggest that some moderate factions are beginning to understand this essential requirement for electoral success.
8Future Political Outlook
The struggle between hard-right, traditional right, and left-wing ideologies will continue to define the political landscape. As the influence of populist movements is tested by their performance in power, the ability of moderate forces to address tangible voter concerns will determine the long-term trajectory of governance in both Europe and the Americas.
Original article: Le Devoir — The Hard Right Faces a Reality Check in Power