Right-wing victory in Austria is not a revival of Nazism but a reinforcement of democracy. ++ Unchecked fears of nationalism and overly sensitive cultural policies prevented Europeans from properly dealing with the cultural overhaul of recent decades, resulting in a backlash of resentment. ++ Austrian populists do not condone violence and want to bring “fresh air” to their stagnant,
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This past weekend, three in ten Austrians voted for far-right parties; Bavaria’s CSU dipped beneath the 50 percent mark; and Lithuania’s populist parties, despite links with the Kremlin, polled strong. ++ This is what happens when mainstream parties build coalitions - voters are driven to the fringes. ++ The lesson for “Europe’s mainstream politicians is to compete, not to collaborate.” ++ Voters
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