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Abstract

This research is the study of the application of the theory and strategy of Left-wing populist

politics with three political parties in three countries. Cases were picked by parties that clearly revealed
that they are the adherents of Left-wing populist theories/strategies. The case studies were these

political parties in three countries: 1. Podemos in Spain 2. Syriza in Greece and 3. Future Forward

Party in Thailand. The study was conducted via previous research, academic books, and recorded
interviews in the case of Podemos and Syriza. And through both documents and conducted in-depth

interviews on the case of the Future Forward Party. The research begins with the political context
of the countries, which is a condition for left-wing populism. Then the formation of the said political

parties and see how they construct the “people” in the term of populism. Moreover, the adoption

of concepts such as the chain of equivalence, the nodal point, or the articulation of demand of the people,
to see how they are applied to the political context of the political party in each country. In conclusion,

the research found that the emergence of Left-wing populism is a product of the demand to change

from the people in that country. Which may have different causes, for example, it may be caused
by both economic problems, undemocratic political problems or inequality or injustice. Then the “people’’

will pass these demands on to political parties that truly represent the “people” as a whole. The parties

as a political institution can be a tool that can lead to changes in the parliamentary system or other
systems in formal politics. Thus, those political parties must present policies to campaign for elections

that meet the needs of the people, to be popular with the public, and to receive support. Once
they are entrusted to come into power, it will prove whether those political parties implement

changes to those problems. It could be concluded that winning elections and holding power may

not be a measure of the success of left-wing populism. Due to the limitations of being the state’s
power. However, success may not be achieved in a short period of time. But it was success that

revived the political life of the state. It is the people who play an important role in making politics
politicized. Political awakening makes people aware of their problems of what their own politics is

and encourages people to engage in politics in the future even more.

Keywords: populism, left-wing populism, people, inequality, Podemos, Syriza, the Future Forward Party