In the current political scene, the rise of populist movements is a worrying phenomenon in Europe, becoming an influential trend in national political arenas. With the election of President Donald Trump and his landmark speeches celebrating a supposed new “golden age of America,” European populist leaders see him as a transatlantic ally who shares their conservative values.
Europe is witnessing leaders such as Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, Alice Weidel in Germany, and Viktor Orbán in Hungary, who welcome Trump’s victory and hope to capitalize on his success to strengthen their own populist movements. These leaders emphasize traditional values, opposition to immigration, and distrust of progressive politics, positions also championed by Trump.
The anti-ecological discourse of European populist movements, which oppose the Green Deal, and their vision of national identity also align with Trump’s communication axes. The normalization of these controversial ideas, amplified by Trump, is strengthening populist movements in Europe. Provocative anti-immigration slogans in Austria or anti-Islam slogans in Germany reveal a growing polarization in political discourse.
The relationship between Trump and some European leaders, notably Orbán in Hungary, raises concerns about respect for the rule of law and human rights. Orbán’s admiration for the American president and his willingness to follow in his footsteps in an authoritarian approach pose a challenge to democracy in Europe.
Trump’s diplomacy with authoritarian leaders, such as Putin, has raised questions about his commitment to democracy. European populisms may be encouraged to pursue less cooperative foreign policies with the European Union and to strengthen their ties with Russia.
With Trump’s presidency, the support for ending the war in Ukraine by European populist leaders highlights alliances that are potentially harmful to regional stability. The role Trump plays in supporting or disapproving these diplomatic approaches will provide important clues about the direction of these international relations.
In sum, the relations between Trump and European populist leaders reflect a complex and evolving political landscape. The impact of these interactions on democracy, human rights, and regional stability remains a key issue for Europe’s political future. Vigilance by the international community in the face of these populist and authoritarian tendencies remains imperative to preserve democratic values and global peace.