Negotiating with those on the extreme sides of the political spectrum can significantly impact political parties. These alliances can offer short-term gains but often raise concerns about the long-term effects on democratic values and social cohesion. In European politics, several examples highlight the complexities and risks associated with these negotiations.
Parties close to the centre must be especially careful. However, aligning with the far-left may comparatively cause fewer repercussions for centre-left, green and moderate-left parties, given an expectation among their voters for collaboration on shared progressive values. But usually, co-opting the policy agendas of extremist parties and thinking it is a good strategy often has significant long-term implications. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you with this decision.
The ‘impact checklist’: measuring extreme consequences
If your party is considering cooperation with the extreme, this checklist can help. On a scale of one to five, evaluate how the extreme party might impact the following:
- Democratic values: Assess the extent to which the extreme party upholds fundamental democratic principles.
- Social cohesion: Evaluate the potential impact of cooperation on social harmony and inclusivity, especially in a coalition government.
Ask your party members and electorate
To make an informed decision, seek input directly from party members and your electorate. Conduct internal surveys to gauge the sentiments within your party, evaluating how such cooperation aligns with their values, recognising that members constitute the bedrock for all party processes.
Simultaneously, employ opinion polls and focus groups to understand the broader impact on voter support and perceptions of party leadership. Assess whether the contemplated collaboration may influence voters’ decisions in future elections as well as the members’ support for the party leadership contemplating this potential collaboration.
Weight pros and cons: benefits vs. risks
Carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of forging alliances with extreme parties. Assess whether short-term gains in parliamentary strength or policy influence outweigh the potential damage to your party’s image and core values.
Consider the public perception and the message it sends to voters. Scrutinise the stance of the extreme party on issues like human rights, civil liberties, freedom of expression, and other fundamental values, as these can have lasting repercussions.
Learning from real examples
Austria: ÖVP and FPÖ
A stark example of the perils associated with negotiating with extreme parties is the 2017 coalition between the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).
The 2019 Ibiza affair, involving Heinz-Christian Strache, then vice chancellor and leader of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), led to the collapse of the right-wing governing coalition. While the FPÖ’s popularity initially plummeted, the party has since recovered and is currently leading in the polls, while the ÖVP’s association with the scandal has faced consequences. On the larger scale of Austrian politics, the collaboration saw policy shifts to the right, especially regarding immigration, security, and social welfare.
Spain: VOX and ERC
Far-right party VOX faces hurdles in forming coalitions as its hardline attitudes deter moderate voters, potentially leading to ramifications for the parties they form coalitions with. This extremist stance has created an environment where mainstream parties are wary of aligning with VOX, given the risk of alienating a substantial portion of the electorate. It remains to see for how long.
At the same time, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s collaboration with Catalan separatist parties, including the Catalan Republic Left (ERC) and Together for Catalonia (Junts), has sparked controversy, particularly concerning the proposed amnesty law, in exchange for parliamentary support. This cooperation has ignited debates on Spanish unity, and could have consequences for both PSOE and Sanchez’s current government.
Sweden: Working with the Sweden Democrats
In Sweden, a historic shift occurred after the 2022 elections, leading to a centre-right coalition government led by the Moderate Party, the Christian Democrats and the Liberals and supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, who are currently the second-strongest party in the country. This marks the first direct influence of the far-right on government policy.
Fast forward to the end of 2023, the Moderate Party is polling six percent below the Sweden Democrats, while their largest opponent, the Social Democratic Party, has increased its approval rating by seven percent. At the same time, the other two government partners, the Christian Democrats and the Liberals, have currently dropped below the four percent threshold.
To cooperate or not
This depends on a case-to-case basis. While short-term gains may seem tempting, the long-term repercussions can be significant. Especially if your party is not leading the government coalition. These examples highlight the complexities and the need for meticulous consideration when engaging with extreme parties, but also serve as a lesson to those contemplating such alliances.
