Incumbents face major voter backlash in global elections of 2024
In 2024, incumbent governments worldwide faced significant voter backlash, with many losing elections. This trend has affected both left and right parties, as dissatisfaction with political elites and economic struggles have driven voters to seek change. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, incumbents have been ousted in 40 of 54 elections in Western democracies. Notable losses include the UK’s Conservative Party and governing parties in France and Germany, reflecting widespread discontent across various nations. While some countries, like Mexico, bucked the trend with successful incumbents, many new leaders quickly faced declining approval ratings. This pattern suggests a growing global sentiment against established political figures, regardless of their party affiliation.