The far right demolishes the welfare state
FEPS Europe
The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) is the think tank of the progressive political family at EU level
In many EU member states governed by the right and far right, citizens are suffering the continuous and consistent dismantling of public and social services, labour protections and rights. In complete opposition to the far right's pro-workers rhetoric, once in government, they tend to adopt an increasingly paternalistic, identity-based and corporatist approach. These attacks on the welfare state contribute to further enriching the few while deepening inequalities for the many.
In this dossier, we propose three paradigmatic examples: Giorgia Meloni's Italy; Hungary under Viktor Orbán's steady control, and Finland, which has the most right-wing government since the 1930s. In essence – and contrary to the far right's approach – welfare needs to be conceived of as not only ethically right, but as a common good that produces empowerment and boosts economic development.
A profound authoritarian dynamic runs through, traverses and saps democracy in Italy. The population is assisting in a cultural and political dismantling through a real reversal of public policies that have stopped redistributing wealth through the tax levy on welfare. We need to restore a social dialogue to produce common sense about the idea that doing welfare and producing empowerment is ethically and civically right, and, nevertheless, decisive for economic development.
This article was written by Andrea Morniroli, Co-coordinator of the Forum on Inequalities and Diversity, Italy.
Viktor Orbán is well-known for his opposition to liberal democracy. He is also against the idea of the welfare state. For Hungary, this meant rising inequalities and decaying public services.
This article was written by Bálint Misetics , Senior social policy expert at the Municipality of Budapest.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Finland has its most right-wing government since the 1930s, and this can also be seen in its economic policy. Massive cuts to social security and public service spending undermine the welfare state, and the government’s labour market reforms weaken employees’ negotiation power.
This article was written by Lauri Finér , Director at Kalevi Sorsa -säätiö
POLICY STUDY
By Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser, Diana Lucia Hofmann, Martin Dolezal and others - In collaboration with Karl-Renner-Institut, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and Fondation Jean-Jaurès
The challenge to democracy is not just the far-right but some centre-right parties allying with them, letting them inside governments and normalising their exclusionary discourse.
Drawing on extensive data and research across six case study countries (Austria, France, Germany, Poland, Spain and Sweden), this policy study scrutinises the (alleged) radicalisation of European centre-right parties. It also investigates the risks posed to liberal democracy by this transformation and explores methods to safeguard democracy.
Follow the Progressive Post on Twitter!
#Welfare #FarRight #Finland #Italy #Hungary #GiorgiaMeloni #ViktorOrban #LabourMarket #SocialDialogue #Inequalities #Labour #SocialDemocracy #Radicalisation #Democracy