Elections across the world are increasingly being won by parties described as ‘populist’, but what does the term actually mean?

According to our national broadcaster, it means “far right-wing, neo-fascist, xenophobic, racist, anti-Islamist…(the list goes on)”. But they would say that, wouldn’t they?

Parties described as ‘populist’ may be economically left-leaning, right leaning or centrist - some are Social Democrats - but they are unified in representing the values and aspirations of an electorate let down by the establishment parties and institutions.

A vote for any ‘populist’ party is a vote for patriotism, nation state, secure borders, family, faith and community – a sense of rootedness and identity.

It is a vote against excessive individualism, globalisation, unchecked free-market capitalism, open labour markets and supra-national organisations.

Populism is a revolution against social and economic neoliberalism, an ideology which has grotesquely overreached and is now – thankfully! - destroying itself thanks to its inherent contradictions.

Rod Liddle and William Clouston discuss the roots of neoliberalism, its impacts on our society, and its current demise.

Good riddance, says Rod: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/good-riddance-to-neoliberalism/

Learn more about the SDP at: https://sdp.org.uk/

Promoted by R. Malyn on behalf of the Social Democratic Party at 272 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JR