What does Dutch election mean for populism in Europe?
Netherlands was a 'litmus test', but France will be the 'bellweather election', say commentators
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's victory over Eurosceptic, anti-Islam Geert Wilders comes as a "huge relief to other EU governments facing a wave of nationalism", writes the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Netherlands' election was widely seen as a litmus test for the strength of anti-establishment populism ahead of upcoming votes in France and Germany later this year.
However, says The Guardian, it is too soon to applaud a return to political normalcy.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
France holds its first round of general election votes on April 23, with a run-off two weeks later on May 7 if no candidate receives more than 50 per cent support.
According to CNN, a series of terrorist attacks, along with an influx of refugees, has pushed right-wing leader Marine Le Pen into the front.
It will be "the real bellwether election," writes Cornell University's professor Mabel Berezin, adding: "That is where the populist action is and that is what we should be focusing upon."
While Le Pen, the anti-EU leader of the populist National Front, leads in the polls, Francois Fillon will attempt to keep the centre-right vote for the Republicans.
Meanwhile, centrist Emmanuel Macron, a former banker who founded his political movement, En Marche!, two years ago, promising to heal France's ethnic and economic tensions, is hoping to sweep up votes both left and right.
In Germany, however, the sun may have already set on the potential for a populist uprising.
Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door policy to one million refugees in 2015 led to a huge backlash and a sudden explosion in support for the nationalist, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
But support has dipped and tensions have calmed since a Turkish-EU pact curbed the flow of migrants.
Last month, one German pollster suggested populism's biggest triumph - Donald Trump - may also prove its downfall.
"The chaotic leadership of US President Donald Trump, who was at first celebrated, is tending to cause alarm given the crises around the world," Manfred Guellner told Reuters.
Infographic by Statista.com for TheWeek.co.uk
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Big Tech's answer for AI-driven job loss: universal basic income
In The Spotlight A new study reveals the strengths and limitations
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'I will not be silent' on Gaza, says Kamala Harris
Speed Read In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris supported Israel's right to defend itself while expressing a desire to end Palestinian suffering
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'How long can TikTok dominate as a social network?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Why is China stockpiling resources?
The Explainer The superpower has been amassing huge reserves of commodities at great cost despite its economic downturn
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
ICJ ruling: will 'damning verdict' stop Netanyahu?
Talking Point The UN's top court has ruled Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories breaks international law
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
The GOP is Donald Trump Jr.'s party now
In The Spotlight The former president's gun-loving, live-streaming adult son has emerged as more than just his father's namesake — he's become a Republican powerhouse of his own
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
For God and country: is religion in politics making a comeback?
Talking Point There are many MPs of faith in the new Labour government despite it being the most openly secular House of Commons in history
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
The attack on Donald Trump
Opinion We've seen this kind of shooter before
By Susan Caskie Published
-
74 things Donald Trump has said about women
Feature The former president has a long history of controversial remarks about the opposite sex
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
DHS opens review of Trump assassination attempt
Speed Read An independent panel will investigate the Secret Service's handling of the shooting
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Can Kamala Harris beat Trump?
Today's Big Question Some senior Democrats are unsure the vice-president can win in November even as party closes ranks behind her
By The Week UK Published