To reverse the greenlash', Europe's Green parties should embrace Polanski's boldness | Tarik Abou-Chadi

European Green parties have faced stagnation and crisis, with weaker election results and withdrawal from most governing coalitions. Climate backlash and reduced voter salience for climate breakdown have contributed to declining enthusiasm. Green parties are seeking ways to regain support, and the UK offers a model. The Green party of England and Wales has gained popularity through a byelection win, strong local and devolved election results, and rapid membership growth. Under Zack Polanski, messaging has shifted away from climate as the dominant theme toward economic inequality, cost of living, housing, and rent. The party also emphasizes condemnation of the genocide in Gaza and support for trans rights.

"European Green parties have been through a phase of stagnation and crisis in recent years. Long gone seem the days of the green wave across Europe. Back in 2019, Green parties secured their best-ever result in the European parliament elections, with 74 seats. In the same year, Green parties also scored record results in Switzerland, Belgium and Austria. Shortly after, they were part of governing coalitions in Finland, Germany, Ireland and Austria."

"But more recently, there has been much discussion of a greenlash: a backlash against climate policies and other green projects throughout Europe. Across the continent, Green parties dropped out of nearly all government coalitions, and these parties' recent election results have often failed to meet expectations. With apparently declining enthusiasm for the climate movement, and the decreasing salience of climate breakdown at the ballot box, Green parties are debating how to turn their fortunes around."

"If Europe's Green parties want inspiration, it is worth turning their attention to the UK. With a historic byelection win in February, record results in May's local and devolved elections, and membership numbers that have tripled in nine months to more than 230,000 people, the Green party of England and Wales has soared in popularity. What can other Green parties in Europe learn from its success under its new leader, Zack Polanski?"

"Since Polanski's election last September, the party's positioning has shifted noticeably. Climate breakdown and environmental protection are no longer the dominant themes of its messaging. Polanski focuses on economic inequality, the cost of living, housing and rent prices. He often talks of the 99% v the 1%, of taxing the rich and of rip-off Britain. In contrast to the Labour party, Polanski and the Greens have very clearly positioned themselves in their condemnation of the genocide in Gaza, as well as in their support for trans rights"

Read at www.theguardian.com