Right-wing and left-wing populist parties as a threat to modern liberal democracies

: Th e article analyses modern populism as a challenge to liberal democracy in terms of the activities of right-wing and left -wing political parties. An important factor in the growth of populism is the lack of eff ectiveness of constitutionalism and other formal limited institutions, procedures to ensure the principles of people’s sovereignty, democracy, justice, gu-arantee the interests of the majority in the modern world. e Th e possibilities of constitutionalism are treated with scepticism in the populist ideology, as formal, limited institutions and procedures prevent the majority from executing their will. Liberal democracy is not strong enough and constantly needs strengthening elements in respon-se to new challenges and threats. But liberal democracy, more than any other political form, contains the potential for development, a synergistic resource, and the power of self-correction. A strong parliament and a developed civil society remain eff ective counterweight to populism.