Potential for protest is growing in Western Europe

Subject

Voter discontent in Western Europe.

Significance

Real and perceived losses in standards of living and security have increased a sense of social anxiety in Western European countries, while attempts to reassure and protect concerned and disillusioned voters have yet to take effect. This will leave governments more exposed to protests and social unrest.

Impacts

• Rising immigration combined with economic decline should sustain or bolster support for nationalist parties.
• Changes to electoral systems, such as increasing the threshold to win seats, could arrest political fragmentation but stoke alienation.
• Opposition towards international trade deals will continue and may increase, posing a threat to ratification.