Political Party Fatigue

Political Party Fatigue

fa·tigue
noun
1: a lessening in one’s response to or enthusiasm for something, typically as a result of overexposure to it.

In a democracy, it’s often taken for granted that political parties balance citizens’ competing values and priorities. But parties can become counterproductive to a healthy democracy when they lose touch with citizens or undercut the political independence of governing institutions.

Widespread dissatisfaction with parties has shifted elections across the world and many parties are failing to adapt to these changes.

What’s driving these shifts on both the left and right? What can mainline parties do to adapt to the new political landscape? And, are political parties even necessary for modern democracy?

Guests

Our host Francesca Gortzounian speaks with IRI’s Europe Program Director based in Slovakia, Thibault Muzergues, who draws on his extensive experience with political parties across Europe to answer these questions.