Populist Revolt Hits Italy Following Election
March 14, 2018 at 08:00 AM EDT
Europe’s populist revolt came full circle earlier this month after two anti-establishment parties rose up in the Italian election. Although no party secured a majority, Italy’s centrist political establishment was ousted after the right-wing League and Five Star Movement became the country’s new political force. Suddenly, Europe’s political future hangs in the balance. 2017 was a year of political turmoil for proponents of pan-European integration, as populist movements in France, Holland and Germany made huge inroads in national elections. Although these parties ultimately failed to secure power, their campaigns shook the very foundation of the European Union. Now, Italy has gone a step further by voting for two anti-establishment parties that seek to limit Brussels’ influence on domestic affairs.