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Over the last three years, we have all witnessed the rising discontent on the streets of Europe. But what happens when discontent becomes persistent and starts to blend with politics – here are three examples.

In Portugal, this week large demonstrations called on the government to stop imposing austerity measures that have pushed unemployment to a euro-area high. Protestors waved banners calling for the government to resign and for a referendum on euro membership, plus messages such as "No to the troika, no to hunger”.

In the Czech Republic, the blending of discontent with politics has moved ahead with the creation of two political parties. The results of the general elections last Sunday saw the appearance of the “Action for Alienated Citizens” (ANO) that ranked second with 18,7% of voters and Usvit for direct local democracy (6,7% of the votes). Angered by years of political graft and budget cuts, Czech voters decided only one traditional political party, the social democrats, deserved 20% of their votes.

Discontent may exist without being expressed in the streets or in the ballot boxes. In France, a confidential report sent this week to the president assessed that the French population is furious about tax increases and territorial reforms. It is predicted that this anger will be expressed in the local and European elections next May. A recent poll at the beginning of the month showed that the extreme right party ranked first for the European elections.

We should all take some time to assess these situations -the European elections are only  seven months away.

Let’s engage!

Pierre Baussand, Director