Pluralist Democracy Amid the Rise of the Far Right
By Albert Guasch Rafael – Facilitator of the stream "Pluralist democracy amid the rise of the far right”, Europe Lab 2025
Democracies no longer die in thunderous coups. More often, they wither slowly through unassuming laws introduced by democratically elected governments and parliaments.
This is also true for countries where democracy never fully took root, and where expectations of democratisation are being shattered by reforms that further push them toward authoritarian rule.
The descent into hybrid or autocratic regimes often follows periods of intense political polarisation and public distrust in political leaders and institutions. This is a familiar pattern across European democracies, many of which struggle to deliver on their promise of progress.
Far-right populists are capitalising on this democratic sclerosis, further sowing distrust in democratic institutions. They offer simplistic solutions to complex problems, such as stagnant wages, spiraling living costs and cultural anxieties, among others.
Once in power, many far-right autocrats follow a familiar playbook: the demonisation of migrants, the weakening of checks and balances, the promotion of loyal media and judges and the hijacking of public institutions — all under the guise of acting in the “people’s will”. No matter how deep the problems in our democracies, this is not the answer.
The autocratic far-right thrives on polarisation and toxic information environments that chip away at the shared truths and values our democracies rely on.
They foster an environment in which citizens grow apathetic to the quiet dismantling of democratic norms.
In this climate, defending a pluralist democracy requires more than legal safeguards. It demands a culture of vigilance from citizens, media, civil society and institutions. The Europe Lab workshop "Pluralist democracy amid the rise of the far right” invites us to think together about how we build that culture.
How can we better speak to citizens who disagree with us? How can we find common ground across divides? And what strategies can pluralist democracies adopt to resist the authoritarian drift?
There are no easy answers to such questions. But with our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we each hold a piece of the answer to this puzzle. And at Europe Lab, we will piece it together!
Albert Guasch Rafael is a communications professional with over seven years of experience helping democracy-focused and mission-driven organisations increase their visibility and impact. As Communications Coordinator at Democracy Reporting International, he leads communication strategies across global projects on the rule of law, digital policy and online public discourse. He ensures a consistent brand presence across headquarters and country offices.