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Europe's Populists Ready to Seize on COVID Vaccination Bungle

Jamie Dettmer

   Europe's populists have seen their polling numbers dip since the
   coronavirus emerged on the continent, but as the economic impact of
   lockdowns and restrictions starts to be felt in earnest, widening
   income disparity, they could see a revival, some analysts forecast.'¯

   Others argue that won't happen, if incumbent governments and
   establishment parties can restore public faith in their competence,
   cushion lower-income and rural populations from economic misery, and
   get their countries back on track working again soon.'¯

   The populist challenge is dimming, they say, pointing to former U.S.
   President Donald Trump's November election loss on the other side of
   the Atlantic. "One reason is their trademark scorn for expertise, which
   enthuses a minority of voters but unsettles many more who are worried
   about their health and livelihoods," according to Tony Barber, Europe
   editor of the Financial Times.

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