Liberal democracy has demonstrated significant resilience against populist threats in the long term, primarily due to its association with superior policy outcomes. However, the question of whether populism continues to pose a threat to liberal democracy remains critical. This is because the appeal of populism is deeply rooted in the social aspirations of people for a dignified and prosperous future, making it an intrinsic part of liberal democracy. Consequently, during challenging times, populist leaders often exploit this appeal. While the liberal components of constitutional democracies are directly threatened by populism, their impact is mitigated to some extent by the robust institutional framework of liberal democracy.

Illiberal ideologies, including populism, often wait for opportune moments to exploit public frustration over major policy failures. They employ divisive rhetoric to garner electoral support and sway public opinion. For democratic and liberal forces to counter these challenges, it is essential to address the very issues that populists capitalize on. Demonstrating the tangible benefits of liberal policies is crucial to restoring public trust and diminishing the electoral and policy influence of populist and illiberal movements.

To achieve this, liberal political parties must adopt proactive measures. First, increasing democratic engagement is essential. Governments should involve individuals and non-governmental organizations in the legislative process, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in policymaking. For instance, the European Union and national legislative bodies should broaden stakeholder participation in legislative initiatives, which would help enhance political transparency and accountability.

Governments must also embrace open and transparent decision-making processes to prevent decisions from........

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