With an increase in populist movements and the vote for Brexit one wonders whether populism is a threat or a challenge for democracy.
If democracy is defined as “government of the people, by the people and for the people” is not populism affirming the democratic system?
Populist movements emerge because of dissatisfaction with certain democratic structures. Very often, people are frustrated when they realise they are unable to influence their government, and this gives rise to populism. They distrust politics and politicians and this was evident in Britain when people ignored what the leaders of the two main political parties and the experts advised about the consequences of Brexit.
A very informative 2009 paper entitled ‘Populism – a threat or a challenge for the democratic system?’ by the University of Copenhagen stated that “populists see themselves as ‘true democrats’ who voice popular opinions and grievances systematically ignored by the authorities and fight to reclaim people sovereignty from elites in power”.
It is their frustration with the here and now situations that give rise to populism. The fact that, for example, the EU is passing through internal turmoil, mainly due to the problems of immigration, youth unemployment and economic instability, gives rise to an increase in populist movements.
The crux of the problem lies in the fact that although the democratic system seems to represent the will of the people, especially at election time, many citizens still claim that their voices are not being heard.
Many democratic governments, rather than focusing on the needs of ordinary citizens, seem to be giving more importance to economic growth while ignoring social marginalisation. Even though populism seems to address people’s needs, it is often considered to be intolerant, xenophobic and anti-pluralistic. For democratic systems to counter this ideology they should uphold the values of solidarity and subsidiarity and show one and all that the democratic system is firmly founded on the principles of the common good and the dignity of the human person.
This can be done effectively by educating the masses in these fundamental principles and by ensuring society that a democratic system, though imperfect, can continuously be renewed by listening to the needs of the people, on whom it counts for its very existence, without sacrificing any of its basic principles.