How does populism shape political decision-making, public debate and citizens' trust in democratic institutions? These questions will be explored during an EU Local Dialogue organised by Anne Karjalainen (FI/PES) in Kerava, Finland, on 24 October 2026. The event will bring together local residents, experts and stakeholders for an open discussion on the state of democracy, the rise of populism and its impact on politics at local, national and European levels.
The dialogue will feature political scientist and researcher Yannick Lahti from Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), with moderation by journalist Samuli Isola. Participants will explore how populism operates, why it gains support and what consequences it may have for democratic societies. Particular attention will be paid to the potential effects of growing populist movements on Finland's political landscape, electoral processes, political discourse and citizen participation.
Beyond providing information, the event aims to encourage active citizenship, informed debate and constructive societal dialogue. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange views on the future of democracy, develop their own perspectives on current political developments and discuss how citizens can contribute to strengthening democratic governance. The dialogue seeks to foster a better understanding of the challenges facing democracies today while promoting participation and engagement at local level.
The relationship between populism and democracy is a topic of relevance across all EU Member States, influencing political developments as well as local and regional decision-making. By bringing the European debate on democracy closer to citizens, this EU Local Dialogue will contribute to a broader discussion on civic engagement, democratic resilience and trust in democratic institutions throughout Europe.