Why didn't Fudge believe Harry?

I must ask, why was Cornelius Fudge so reluctant to accept Harry Potter's story about Voldemort's return? Despite the evidence presented by Dumbledore and Harry himself, Fudge seemed determined to maintain the status quo, denying the truth even in the face of overwhelming facts. Was it fear of the unknown, a desire to maintain his position of power, or simply a lack of imagination that prevented him from seeing the danger looming on the horizon? As a seasoned professional in the field of cryptocurrency and finance, I am well aware of the dangers of ignoring potential threats, and I cannot help but wonder if Fudge's stubbornness ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Ministry of Magic.