In a striking reversal, Nigel Farage, the figurehead of Reform UK and a perennial critic of global political elites, is set to attend the very event he has spent years lambasting: the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
A Stunning Pivot for the Populist Leader
For years, Farage has derided the Davos gathering as a conspiratorial meeting of "globalists" hostile to the nation state. He has specifically targeted Labour leader Keir Starmer, previously calling him a "full-on globalist, hanging out with his mates at the WEF". Yet, this week, Farage will himself be among the attendees at the Swiss ski resort, a move confirmed by his party deputy, Richard Tice.
The precise details of Farage's itinerary remain under wraps. However, Tice indicated on Sunday that a key objective is for Farage to secure a meeting with former US President Donald Trump, who is also attending. Tice expressed hope that Farage could leverage his presented friendship with Trump to discuss concerns over potential US tariffs against the UK and European nations, linked to US efforts regarding Greenland.
Networking Amidst Historic Criticism
While the networking opportunity at an event frequented by world leaders and financiers—including Chancellor Rachel Reeves this year—is clear for a party tipped to influence British politics, Farage's presence is deeply ironic. Throughout his career, he has singled out the WEF as epitomising an elite capture of politics.
His rhetoric has previously drawn serious criticism. Groups like the Board of Deputies of British Jews have argued that his discussions about bankers and global government have veered into territory associated with antisemitic conspiracy theories—an intent Farage firmly rejects.
His past comments on Davos are unequivocal. In a 2020 video, he described it as a place where decisions "bow down to the European Union", made by "people deciding our futures in Swiss ski resorts". He argued there was "no space for the little man, no space for the nation state".
The Trump Exception and Political Calculations
There has been one consistent exception to Farage's Davos disdain: Donald Trump. In 2018, he praised Trump's "superb" performance at the forum, lauding his confidence-inspiring leadership. The only other attendee to have received tweeted praise from Farage was Prince Andrew, back in January 2012.
This attendance marks a significant moment for Farage and Reform UK, signalling a pragmatic, if contradictory, engagement with the very global institutions he built his political identity opposing. Whether this represents a genuine shift in strategy or a one-off diplomatic manoeuvre remains to be seen as the Davos summit unfolds this week.
