Post‑populist dilemma

Deposing a long‑standing populist leader is politically possible, but replacing the informal networks, clientelism, and existential‑threat politics they built is a distinct and harder challenge. Successful transitions demand simultaneous institutional reform, anti‑corruption measures, and visible material gains to undercut the old leader’s rhetorical claims. — This reframes democratic wins: elections end a regime’s symbol but not its structures, so policymakers and reformers must plan for the long, risky process of institutional repair after electoral turnover.