European elections: A field day for populists?

The daily Latvijas Avīze fears that the low interest in the European elections could work strongly in favour of right-wing and left-wing populists: "According to the Eurobarometer a majority of EU citizens aren't interested in the European elections. And a large majority of those who do vote believe their ballot won't change a thing. In all probability that is not too far from the truth. Nevertheless changes cannot be ruled out altogether, including changes for the worse. These primarily concern the so-called small countries, when they're unable to present respectable candidates or when they sink into political apathy. Belgians who don't vote in the elections must pay a fine, 25 to 125 euros (in case of recurrence). The price for the indifference of Latvian voters will be far higher."

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