Introduction: setting the scene

Abstract

If we were to look for one concept that has come to the fore in recent decades and has seen its heyday in academic circles and discourses on the political situation, it would certainly be populism. Even though populism got a breath of fresh air during last few decades, we must realize that populism is nothing new; it has accompanied democratic politics for a long time, and its activity and success have experienced ups and downs. In recent years, populist leaders have won elections in many Central and Eastern European countries, from Hungary to Poland, Austria, and others. It is undeniable that populist parties and populist leaders have emerged in politics, and many of them have begun to successively win elections and/or establish themselves as major political forces in their respective political systems. The chapter presents the reasons behind the the rise of populist movements and leaders in Central and Eastern European countries.