The final act in this week’s protest on the lawns of parliament was the announcement by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki of a new political party. Strange bedfellowsMore importantly, by refusing to rule out working with them in the next parliament, National Party leader Christopher Luxon has potentially given Tamaki and his fellow travellers a sniff of credibility. Getty ImagesLessons from EuropeThere are two lessons about the influence of right wing populists in other countries that should be heeded. But during this century, as many as 11 European governments have relied for their existence on coalition with right wing populist parties. Not so many years ago people laughed at the idea that extreme right populists could win parliamentary seats.

Source: Stuff August 26, 2022 04:17 UTC