In 2021, politics faces numerous challenges globally, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturns, and changing international alliances. This article features ten political parties across the globe that will be vital to watch. The Chinese Communist Party, the longest-running political party globally, will continue to dominate global politics, with developments such as the trade war with the United States, Hong Kong autonomy crackdown, and alleged genocide of Uighur Muslims under scrutiny. Other parties such as the Democratic Party in the United States, the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan, The African National Congress in South Africa, and the Scottish National Party in Scotland face critical issues such as unifying the country, handling the pandemic, and seeking independence.
10 Political Parties to Watch in 2021
The year 2021 has proven to be a critical year for politics, with the world facing an unprecedented pandemic, economic downturns, and shifting international alliances. Political parties around the world have been forced to adapt and evolve to meet the challenges of the time. In this article, we examine ten political parties from across the globe, which we believe will be vital to keeping an eye on in 2021.
1. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
The CCP is one of the longest-running political parties globally, having founded in 1921. In 2021, the CCP will undoubtedly remain a significant force in global politics as China continues to emerge as a superpower. Recent developments, including the trade war with the United States, the CCP’s crackdown on Hong Kong autonomy, and the alleged genocide of Uighur Muslims, will be areas to watch in the coming year.
2. The Democratic Party (United States)
The United States has been facing an unusual political climate amid its most critical presidential election in decades. The Democratic Party was successful in ousting Donald Trump and electing Joe Biden, but now they face the equally challenging task of unifying the country, helping it recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and restoring trust in its leadership.
3. The Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)
The Liberal Democratic Party is Japan’s longtime ruling party, and it has grappled with an aging population, economic downturns, and national security concerns in recent years. The party recently elected a new leader, Yoshihide Suga, in the wake of Shinzo Abe’s resignation. Suga’s leadership approach, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his stance on foreign policy, will be closely monitored in 2021.
4. The Bharatiya Janata Party (India)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has governed India since 2014. The party has implemented several critical policies, including the Citizenship Amendment Act and the abrogation of Article 370. However, 2021 will be a testing time for the BJP as India grapples with the pandemic, an economic recession, and China’s aggression in the border regions.
5. The Labour Party (United Kingdom)
The United Kingdom faces a new era under Boris Johnson’s Conservative government, with the Labour Party trying to regain support after its crushing loss in the 2019 election. Brexit, the pandemic, and protests for racial equality will likely feature prominently in the party’s platform as they prepare for the next general election.
6. The African National Congress (South Africa)
The African National Congress (ANC) has been South Africa’s ruling party since the end of apartheid in 1994. However, the party has recently faced challenges from economic downturns, corruption accusations, and increased party infighting. The upcoming 2021 municipal elections will be a significant test for the ANC, as they strive to address these concerns.
7. The En Marche! Party (France)
The En Marche! Party, founded by Emmanuel Macron, has been governing France since 2017. In 2021, the party’s leadership style, policies around national security, and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic will be closely watched. The 2022 presidential election will also feature prominently on the party’s agenda as they try to secure a second term for Macron.
8. The Green Party (Germany)
The Green Party had a significant showing in Germany’s recent regional elections, garnering support from young voters concerned about climate change and immigration issues. 2021 will see Germany preparing for its federal elections, and the Green Party has a solid chance of shaping the government’s focus if it continues to win in regional ballots.
9. The Workers’ Party (Brazil)
The Workers’ Party (PT) was the ruling party in Brazil under Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, but it’s face opposition from Jair Bolsonaro’s Social Liberal Party. The PT has faced accusations of corruption, and Lula’s recent re-entry into Brazilian politics only adds to the charged atmosphere. As Brazil’s economy continues to falter, both parties are under pressure to deliver effective policies that will help the country recover.
10. The Scottish National Party (Scotland)
The Scottish National Party (SNP) had a significant showing in the 2019 UK general elections and is currently the governing party in Scotland. The SNP remains steadfast in seeking Scottish independence, a move that will feature in the upcoming general election planned for 2021. If the SNP achieves further success, it will raise difficult questions for the future of the UK itself.
In Conclusion
As politics continue to evolve and adapt to the challenges of the world, more parties will rise in influence and importance. These ten parties, however, are those we believe will feature prominently in headlines and shape the discourse around the world as we enter 2021.