ABSTRACT
The electoral successes of nationalist right-wing populist parties in Hungary and Poland have provoked concern regarding the reasons for the rise of populism. In this context, one may mention the refugee crisis and the perception of immigrants as economic competitors and cultural strangers. In Central and Eastern Europe, where nationalism mainly has an ethnic character, the immigration of ‘cultural others’ is presented as a danger to national identity and tradition. This discourse shows the European Union as an external body, dangerous because of its openness, the liberal ideas which it promotes and the transnational identity which it constructs. ‘Ontological security’, a feeling of living in a world that is understood and secure, has been weakened. For many people, the loss of security was a burden, and they tried to escape from both it and their individual freedom and responsibility. They found refuge in tradition and strong leadership. Tradition offers simple answers to difficult questions and collective support in traditional institutions. All of this is in opposition to the openness of the EU, to the liberal elites, and in the name of the nation, understood as a community of people who share cultural values and who think alike.
