THE RISE OF ANTI-ESTABLISHMENTARIANISM

We in Europe are seeing a significant change in the level of trust placed (given) to established political parties that seem to have been around since the age of the dinosaurs (and perhaps many of those “leaders” have much in common with those huge beasts, level of brain-power being an example).

A quick round-up of what I have called ‘anti-establishmentarianism’ shows that in many countries people are becoming more attracted to, what used to be called, “the fringe”; my point is that when so many decide to move towards “the fringe” there comes a time when “the fringe” becomes mainstream. Some examples:

Italy – the rise of the 5-Star Movement – with (perhaps) valid reasons for its inception seems to me to be a “one trick pony” lacking depth to its manifesto.

Greece – Syriza – a radical coalition of the Left – appealing to many Greeks who have suffered greatly under decades of corruption; yet once again I feel there is a lack of underlying substance to what they are promoting.

France – the National Front – has been around for years and has campaigned on a narrow (and often extreme) basis. However, its new leader is making concerted efforts to swing away from the past and present a “cleaner” picture to a growing band of followers.

Holland – The Party for Freedom – a narrow campaign but one that resonates with many.

Belgium – the Flemish Interest party – a two-pronged attack having limited success since 2006, independence for Flanders being the highlight.

Hungary – Jobbik – in my opinion a highly dangerous group, ultra-right in what it is promoting.

Finland – True Finns – came from nowhere and is more populist than racist.

UK – the rise of UKIP (the United Kingdom Independence Party) has ensured a steady stream of voters unconvinced by Left/Right two party domination.

One aspect all the above have in common is in voicing the average persons’ dissatisfaction with the European Union as an unelected and power-hungry mob, earning outrageous money whilst telling electorates everywhere that “austerity is good for you”. I sympathise with them – up to a point – since I believe that, everywhere, those in power are so far removed from the realities of everyday life more and more of us are merely running faster and faster just to stay in the same place.

This is NOT living, merely existing… and there is far more to life than that.

I want change – but not the type of change advocated by the majority of those new parties I have mentioned. I favour free trade and all that entails; I do not want to be suffocated by pathetic, paternal programmes envisioned by the bureaucrats of Brussels in order to make their jobs safe. I hope you feel the same….

Until next time,

Peripatetic Scribe