European Green parties have experienced a period of stagnation and crisis in recent years, a stark contrast to the "green wave" of 2019 when they secured record results in the European parliament elections with 74 seats. That year also saw Green parties achieve historic outcomes in Switzerland, Belgium, and Austria, and later join governing coalitions in Finland, Germany, Ireland, and Austria. However, a "greenlash"—a backlash against climate policies—has swept across Europe, causing Green parties to drop out of nearly all government coalitions and underperform in recent elections. With declining enthusiasm for the climate movement and reduced salience of climate breakdown at the ballot box, Green parties are now seeking strategies to reverse their fortunes.
The UK Green Party's Remarkable Turnaround
For inspiration, European Green parties should look to the United Kingdom. The Green Party of England and Wales (with separate chapters in Scotland and Northern Ireland) has soared in popularity, achieving a historic byelection win in February, record results in May's local and devolved elections, and a tripling of membership numbers to over 230,000 in just nine months. Under its new leader, Zack Polanski, elected last September, the party has undergone a significant strategic shift.
Key Lessons from the UK Success
According to Tarik Abou-Chadi, a professor of European politics at the University of Oxford, the UK Greens' success offers three main lessons for other Green and left-of-centre parties across Europe.
1. Emphasise Economic Inequality
Polanski has moved away from exclusively focusing on climate breakdown and environmental protection. Instead, he highlights economic inequality, the cost of living, housing, and rent prices. He frequently speaks of "the 99% versus the 1%," taxing the rich, and "rip-off Britain." Research analysing party positioning in 11 European countries and campaign ads in Germany shows that Green parties can expand their electoral coalition by focusing on redistributive policies and economic inequality. This approach does not undermine their credibility on climate issues or demobilise core supporters. In the UK, a report on the May elections revealed that Green voters were equally likely to name redistribution and taxes as climate breakdown as their motivation. Among financially insecure voters with liberal social attitudes, 47% voted Green, compared to 25% for Labour—a stark contrast to European Green parties, which typically attract highly educated, wealthier supporters.
2. Hold Strong Positions on Key Issues
The UK Greens have taken clear, unwavering stances on trans rights and minority rights, in contrast to Labour's more cautious approach. This has not only increased support among those who prioritise minority rights but also allowed the party to focus on its broader agenda. By addressing controversial questions with clarity and conviction, the party avoids being derailed by hostile interviewers and can concentrate on core issues like economic justice.
3. Embrace Progressive Identity Politics
The Greens have become a home for progressive identities and activism, welcoming those engaged in local organising, rights campaigns, or protests against war crimes. Many of these individuals had grown disillusioned with traditional party politics. Polanski and his party are present at protests, strikes, and cultural events, including organising their own raves. They do not shy away from milieus often dismissed as "woke" or radical but instead lean into this support. This approach mirrors successful campaigns like Zohran Mamdani's in New York, which built coalitions among progressive activists and marginalised groups.
Conclusion: Be Bolder, Not More Hesitant
While specific strategies must be adapted to national contexts, these three lessons are crucial for European Green parties. In fragmented multiparty systems, focusing on economic inequality and building ties around progressive identities can help form electoral alliances. The perceived "greenlash" has led many Green parties to water down their demands and moderate their appeals. However, the UK experience suggests the opposite: be bolder and clearer in messaging. With many social democratic parties weakened across Europe, Green parties have a unique opportunity to broaden their appeal and potentially become the dominant left-of-centre force.
