In many countries the COVID-19 crisis initially led to increased trust in government. The restrictions to personal freedoms, curfews, restrictions on social contacts, the closure of large segments of the economy as well as the widening of executive powers in many countries was largely accepted and supported by the public. However, frustration and distrust of government have been increasing the longer the restrictions have been in place. Some countries, such as Germany, witnessed large demonstrations against the counter measures. Moreover, the wide dissemination of fake news and conspiracy theories are influencing the public debate on how to handle the pandemic.
The project provides reports from Cyprus, Sweden, Finland, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Romaina and Germany – all countries with large or growing right-wing populist movements and parties. The reports explore the question, if right-wing populism in Europe has been able to benefit from the Corona-crisis. A synopsis will interpret and classify the developments in the individual countries in a comparative perspective.
For the German project site, with information and all reports in German, go to: www.fes.de/c19rex.
Contact:
Josefin Fürst
josefin.furst(at)fes.de
Postal Address
Box 3107
103 62 Stockholm
Sweden
Office Address
Barnhusgatan 10
111 23 Stockholm
Sweden
