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Cotrim de Figueiredo accused of 'populism': 'The strategy is risky, but he has to take the risk'

Thursday, 8 January 2026RSS
Cotrim de Figueiredo accused of 'populism': 'The strategy is risky, but he has to take the risk'

The trial run was in the European elections; now the candidate backed by IL is pushing further with the strategy used by populist parties, buoyed by the polls and support among young voters. After all, is the plan working or does it carry risks?

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Context & Explainers

Populism is a political style that frames politics as a struggle between 'the people' and a corrupt elite, often using simple messaging, charismatic leaders and direct appeals to public sentiment; it can appear on both the left and right. It matters for expats because populist rhetoric or governments can drive quick policy shifts on immigration, taxation and business regulation, so monitoring election campaigns and major reforms helps anticipate changes that could affect residency, work or services.