Politique européenne: les gouvernements de gauche vont-ils disparaître? | 24 heures

Decline of Left-Wing Governments in Europe

The article discusses the significant decrease in left-wing governments across Europe, comparing the number of left-wing governments in the early 2000s (13 out of 31 countries) to the current number (8 out of 31). This decline is analyzed in the context of the rise of right-wing and far-right governments.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

Several factors are highlighted as contributing to the decline of left-wing governments:

• Decline of Industries and Trade Unions: The shrinking industrial sector has reduced the traditional working-class base of support for left-wing parties.
• Increased Political Competition: The rise of various right-wing, liberal, and green parties has fragmented the electorate, making it harder for left-wing parties to maintain dominance.
• Internal Competition within the Left: Left-leaning parties often compete for the same segments of the population (middle-class and working-class voters), hindering their collective success.

The article uses examples from various European countries such as Sweden and Great Britain to illustrate these trends.

Long-Term Trends vs. Short-Term Shifts

The article acknowledges that power shifts between left and right-wing governments are common in many European democracies. However, the data suggests a long-term decline in the influence of social democratic parties, specifically.

The Future of Left-Wing Politics

While the article notes a decline in left-wing governments, it also emphasizes that the underlying principles of left-wing politics, such as social justice and environmental protection, remain relevant. The key challenge for the left seems to be adapting to the changing electorate and the fragmented political landscape.