Budapest, 18 July 2022—Social grievances, nationalism, and lack of political engagement are triggers of populist support. Addressing these problems may prevent populist governance, characterised by communication that splits society between the good people and the evil others, attacks on democratic values, and a disregard for minority rights. Rebutting fake news associated with populism, investing in civic education, and involving citizens in policymaking are some ways to respond.

These are the key takeaways of the policy event Unmasking populism: Modalities, scenarios, and responses to a persistent threat, organised by DEMOS, PaCE, POPREBEL – EU-funded projects studying the causes and consequences of populism in Europe – and the European Commission. Findings discussed in the research-to-policy event, which explored scientific insights into the populist ascension, impacts, and policies to respond, are now available in a report released by DEMOS today.

DEMOS is also releasing six policy briefs with ideas to boost democratic efficacy, improve the school environment, strengthen professional media, journalism, civil society defenders, and constitutions. As original DEMOS research has shown, shaping policies in these areas should help counter populist challenges to democracy. (Download the materials below).

Unmasking populism

Over 100 participants followed the 19 May conference, held online with opening remarks by Ms Irene Norstedt, Director of the People Directorate of the European Commission. Several policy experts and advisors from the Commission attended the conference to exchange insights into addressing populism and enhancing democracy based on scientific evidence that the projects have produced.

‘Democracy ultimately depends on giving citizens the opportunity to participate in public life and help shape laws and public policies. And this regularly, not only at election time,’ Ms Norstedt said in her opening speech.

The projects’ scientific conclusions presented at the event build upon citizens’ desire for participation in politics and policymaking. The Commission has developed the European Democracy Action Plan, with proposals to fight against disinformation and to promote media freedom, pluralism, and free and fair elections. As part of the plan, legislation that aligns with DEMOS, PaCE, and POPREBEL’s policy recommendations on better media and protection of civil rights defenders is expected to be developed by the Commission this year.

Download information

• Unmasking populism: Modalities, scenarios, and responses to a persistent threat (2022). By DEMOS, PaCE, and POPREBEL. Download here.
• DEMOS policy brief: Summary of key findings and recommendations from DEMOS (2022). By Dimitri A. Sotiropoulos (Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy) and Zsolt Boda (Centre for Social Sciences, Budapest). Download here.
• DEMOS policy brief: How to develop democratic efficacy? (2022). By Zsolt Boda (Centre for Social Sciences, Budapest). Download here.
• DEMOS policy brief: Civic strategies addressing populism (2022). By Assya Kavrakova (European Citizens Action Service). Download here.
• DEMOS policy brief: Journalism, populism, and democratic efficacy (2022). By Gabriella Szabó (Centre for Social Sciences, Budapest). Download here.
• DEMOS policy brief: Findings from a social media analysis (2022). By Artur Lipinski (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan). Download here.
• DEMOS policy brief: Populist constitutionalism (2022). By Fruzsina Gárdos-Orosz (Centre for Social Sciences, Budapest, CSS) et al. Download here.

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More Results
31/05/2022—DEMOS creates Game to Build Democratic Skills and Counter Fake News
05/05/2022—Dissatisfied with Politics, Populist Voters Disseminate Controversial Language on Social Media
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18/02/2022—Civic Education Works as a Vaccine Against Populism