The rise of extreme far-right, populist and nativist politicians and parties in recent years and the concomitant decline in public trust in government have stoked fears that Europe’s democratic institutions and traditions are under attack.
So, on the face of it, the news that Spain’s centre-right People’s party (PP) and Vox, its ultra-nationalist – some would say neo-fascist or neo-Francoist – coalition partner, have failed to take power following July’s closely fought general election is an unreservedly welcome development.
