Coined from the collapse of Greece’s centre-left PASOK party, which saw its share of the vote decline from 43.92 percent in 2009 to 4.68 percent in 2015, the term “Pasokification” has, over the last decade, become synonymous with the rapid decline of once-dominant political parties, particularly in the context of the European Centre-Left.
And while centre-left parties were initially at the epicentre of this phenomenon, centre-right parties haven’t been immune to this potential fate either. From France’s Socialist Party to the centre-right Les Républicains, and from Italy’s centre-left Democratic Party to the centre-right Forza Italia, “Pasokification” now serves as a cautionary tale that once dominant political parties can, from one election to the next, face swift decline and lose their relevance and political influence.
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In this rapidly changing political landscape, with the resurgence of populist and extremist movements, shifting voter demographics, and the emergence of new communication platforms, Europe’s traditional parties must learn from the mistakes of others, avoid succumbing to a similar fate, and adapt their strategies to fortify their position in the political arena.
Here are five key strategies to stay ahead of the curve and avoid the pitfall of decline:
- Constantly monitor and respond to voter sentiment
Focus on understanding what voters need and work backward from there. By staying in tune with the changing needs and concerns of their constituents, parties can adapt their platforms and messaging to maintain their relevance. Regularly conducting opinion polling, monitoring social media, and engaging with voters online and offline can help parties stay connected with their base, understand shifting electorates, and remain responsive to their needs.
- Develop clear and consistent messaging
Ensure the party’s vision and platform are communicated clearly and consistently. Focus on consistent ideological stances to maintain the trust of core supporters, and commit to addressing key voter concerns -such as living standards, security, and the environment- to (re)gain the trust of swing voters.
- Cultivate inclusive and effective leadership, promote good governance, and vigorously combat corruption
Promote charismatic leaders with a clear vision and good communication skills, who can appeal to a diverse range of voters without alienating the party’s base of core supporters. At the same time, vigorously combat any form of corruption within the party, prioritize effective governance, and demonstrate transparency and accountability at all levels of the party machine. Voters will expect the party leadership to successfully manage their own backyard before allowing them to govern their country.
- Invest in grassroots mobilization and build effective digital communication channels
Maintain close ties with party members on the ground. Invest in local party organizations, modernize your door-to-door efforts with the use of digital canvassing platforms, and empower activists to spread the party’s message in a way that resonates with voters on a personal level. Embrace digital platforms to engage with a wider audience and mobilize the party’s supporters.
- Continuously evaluate, adapt, and evolve
In the face of an ever-changing and highly fragmented political landscape, the ability of traditional political parties to continuously evaluate their efforts, identify areas for improvement, and adjust their strategies and tactics accordingly, is paramount to stay ahead of the curve and in touch with voters’ needs.
The threat of Pasokification is not an inevitable fate. By learning from the failures of others, employing innovative strategies to stay ahead of their competition, and remaining adaptable in the face of shifting political dynamics, traditional political parties can avoid the pitfall of irrelevance and secure their continued success in the European political arena for decades to come. After all, there can be no room for typewriters in the age of Artificial Intelligence.