COVID-19 impact may intensify European protest trends

Significance

Yet in recent months discontent with lockdown policies has seen a return to anti-government demonstrations across many European cities. In addition, the social and economic impact of COVID-19 threatens to deepen long-standing resentments which fuelled pre-pandemic protest activity.

Impacts

• Slow post-pandemic economic recoveries will fuel support for radical parties, both on the right and the left.
• The increasingly diverse background of protesters will make it harder for governments to meet demands and manage social discord.
• The pandemic’s impact on developing states, especially low-income ones, will increase demand for immigration to Europe.