Across Europe, thousands have taken to the streets—against mass tourism, omnibus regulations, perceived threats to cultural identity, and the effects of globalization. While media often label these as “right-wing” populist marches, deeper investigation suggests they’re more nuanced: part protest, part plea for reclamation of national identity.
Popular Grievances: What Are People Marching About?
Touristification – In cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Ibiza, locals protest rising rents and cultural loss not from overt nationalism, but from a sense of economic exclusion.
Anti-establishment anger – In countries like Slovakia and Serbia, mass protests challenge corruption and Eurosceptic government moves, especially those seen as echoing Russian influence
Cultural preservation – Even mainstream European capitals have seen rallies where citizens demand a return to traditions and control over public space—perhaps not anti-immigrant, but behind the same registers of identity anxiety.
Is It “Right-Wing”?
The media quickly labels these movements as right-wing. But a broader look shows mixed crowds—some conservative, others frustrated liberals, and majority citizens fed up with feeling unheard.
Today’s populist surge draws on a fusion of economic, cultural, and sovereignty concerns—more complex than a simple left-right divide. They oppose globalization’s inequalities, not globalization itself.
They emphasize local control of housing, tourism, and democracy—not necessarily anti-immigrant rhetoric.
They reject elite-driven policies, wanting power re-centered in citizens’ hands.
The Globalization Backlash
Research confirms a significant link between economic disruption and populist support. One major meta-analysis found that economic insecurity explains roughly one-third of recent populist surges
Credit goes to not just economic displacement, but the failure of institutions to address it. Historically, globalization’s peaks—from 1870s trade spikes to 1990s neoliberal boom—have triggered waves of backlash. Yet while past populists demanded tariffs, today’s are mixing cultural, social, and economic protest.
Broader Populist Patterns in Europe
Italy, France, Slovakia, Hungary, Sweden, and Germany—populist or Eurosceptic parties have gained seats or influence .
Parliamentary friction, coalition dynamics, and street protests—as seen in Germany’s anti-AfD rallies and France’s large-scale opposition to the National Rally —point to an ongoing tension between mainstream governance and democratic unrest.
The Road Ahead: A Rebalancing Act
Policymakers will need to re-prioritize regional economic justice and open dialogue, rather than dismissing protests as extremist.
Reframing transportation, tourism, migration, education, and trade through a “citizen-first” lens may deflate the populist hold.
Democratic resilience will require listening—not censoring. Overreacting could fuel more polarization.
Rebellion or Renewal?
European marches and populist politics are not inherently extremist—they’re symptoms of a deeper disconnect, intensified by globalization, weak representation, and cultural uncertainty.
If governments want to preserve democratic unity, they’ll have to understand the anger, appreciate the nuance, and act on real issues—not just label them.
Because as long as millions feel they’ve lost their voice, it won’t be enough for democracy to stand—it has to learn to listen.
