The year 2024 saw sixty-four countries, as well as the European Union, head to the polls in a year that will go down as one of the most significant years in global political history.
A key takeaway is that the world saw an increase in right-wing populism, especially in Europe. These are political parties that aim to appeal to ordinary citizens who feel their concerns are disregarded or ignored by political elites. This was seen in the UK in July, as although the centre-left Labour Party won the general election, they received only 33.7% of the votes cast - significantly fewer votes than in the previous election. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage’s party, Reform UK, received the third highest share of votes, with 14.3% of the vote share and with many of their candidates coming second to successful Labour MPs, leading to speculation about whether Reform will be more successful in the future. In the European Parliament election, which took place in June to elect members from across the 27 member states across the European Union, there were also significant gains for right-wing parties such as Alternative for Germany, Brothers of Italy, and the National Rally in France. These results provoked President Macron of France in June to call snap elections to the French parliament, and although the National Rally failed to win overall, the party also made significant gains.
In December, the party joined forces with other parties to remove Prime Minister Michel Barnier, making him the prime minister of France with the shortest reign since 1958. The takeaway from this is that, unlike a decade ago when populist parties were considered minor parties, 2024 showed that they are now embedded into Europe’s political culture and are a threat to established political parties.
Right-wing parties are also increasing in popularity in Latin America, particularly in Argentina and El Salvador. However, unlike their European counterparts whose focus is immigration, these countries have leaders who oppose abortion, social democracy, and have a hardline view on crime.
The most consequential election, however, was in the US. Since his inauguration last month, Donald Trump has withdrawn the US from international treaties and organisations such as the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the World Health Organization. In recent days, he has threatened multiple countries including Canada, China, and Mexico with huge tariffs which would have major impacts on the price of goods for global consumers. This election result signalled the end of the global status quo, and in Trump’s eyes, the end of the American people being taken for granted.
Looking ahead, this month Germany is set to go to the polls in their federal election and multiple news organisations have predicted the incumbent SPD party to come third along with gains for the populist Alternative For Germany. Canada will also go to the polls before October; however, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to resign before then.