Populism in Europe and the implications for energy

摘要

2017 provides a number of opportunities to test whetherrnthe populist trend of 2016 will be consolidated or fizzle, asrnelections are due to take place in three key Europeanrneconomies, the Netherlands (in March), France (from Aprilrnto June) and Germany (in the Fall). It is also possible,rnperhaps likely, that Italy’s caretaker government may bernforced into elections this year.rnIn each country, the political establishment is challenged byrngrowing populist parties surfing a wave of increasedrneconomic and political insecurity. While questions ofrnimmigration, trade and sovereignty are at the heart of theserndevelopments, they could also have serious consequencesrnfor energy and climate policies.