In many countries the Covid-19 crisis had initially led to increased trust in government. The restrictions to personal freedoms, curfews, restrictions on social contacts, the closure of large segments of the economy as well as the widening of executive powers in many countries was largely accepted and supported by the public. However, frustration and distrust of government have been increasing the longer the restrictions have been in place. Some countries witnessed large demonstrations against the counter measures. Moreover, the wide dissemination of fake news and conspiracy theories are influencing the public debate on how to handle the pandemic.

All over Europe, right-wing populist parties and movements have tried to derive political benefit from this situation of growing resentment but also fear. Axel Salheiser and Christoph Richter take a preliminary stock of the situation in Germany.