The nearly 50 mutations that together the Omicron variant brings together, could make it the most suitable version of the virus to spread populism.
Because beyond watching a horror movie that has been repeated since its existence was announced, and that ultimately tests our ability to learn, populisms on both sides of the political spectrum feed on the discontent and frustration that it triggers, to be able to grow and become the escape valve of satiety.
The new anti-system flag will have the colors of anti-confinement and vaccine skepticism and will wave with anger directed at the hypocrisy of the ruling elite and scientists who are cold, calculating, and detached from reality.
This is how the antisystems also mutated with the pandemic, and the interesting thing here will be to see the frequency with which this flag will be raised after the mix formed by the appearance of Ómicron and the peak of infections that was being experienced worldwide at the start the cold season, have governments impose new measures on their populations. How could they be stricter confinements, mandatory quarantines for travelers or mandatory vaccination mandates that, at least in the cases of Austria and Germany, could come into force from February.
This reaction would not be any surprise, if we take into account that in recent months the measures of the governments of Australia, Germany, Holland, Brussels, France, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, were able to gather thousands in the street as a sign of protest and become fresh meat for the populist parties, who seek to capitalize on this anger to come to power.
Its success will depend on the course the pandemic takes. However, it is important to note that in countries like Switzerland, which is a rich country with an economy that has not been practically damaged by the pandemic and has an efficient health system, these movements are beginning to gain support and can be seen in the Result of the November 28 referendum with which the government raised vaccination and COVID-19 tests to the level of law. About 38% voted against.
In Germany, the far-right party AFD, has become the main opponent of the government’s measures in the face of the pandemic and they speak out against the “Crown dictatorship.” In fact, a study published by FORSA polling company shows that 50% of people who have not been vaccinated voted for them. Phenomenon that is repeated in Holland with the Freedom for Democracy party that is led by a kind of Trump, in Austria with the MFG party that translates into something like a party for people’s freedom rights, in Chile with the movement “ Chile Digno ”, or the“ Anti-vax ”in the United States, among others.
As can be seen, the populist parties have changed their axis and have begun to focus on the loss of freedoms that has been triggered by the pandemic and if to this is added the inflation that is experienced in America and Europe, the rise in taxes and the increase in the cost of electricity, we can see that there is an area of opportunity that could translate into the beginning of a cycle of political instability.
Meanwhile, it is clear that Mexico must seem like paradise to them, without any strategy, without any restrictions, and with a zócalo that fills up as Ómicron arrives.
The last one out, turn off the light.
Twitter: @HenaroStephanie
Professor of Geopolitics
The last to leave turn off the light
Mexican analyst and commentator. He studied for a degree in international relations at the Tecnológico de Monterrey CCM and at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris (Sciences-Po). He has a specialty in Russian foreign policy from MGIMO Moscow and a master’s degree in Geopolitics, Territory and Security from King’s College London University in England.
Reference-www.eleconomista.com.mx