The rise of the European far right, characterized by authoritarianism, populism, and extreme hostility to immigration, has gained momentum in recent years. The trend has been fueled by factors such as the global financial crisis of 2007-8 and the 2015 spike in migration into Europe. Parties like Austria’s Freedom Party, France’s National Rally, and Germany’s Alternative for Germany have seen significant electoral gains by capitalizing on anti-immigrant sentiments.
These far-right parties advocate for the preservation of European culture and values, while also promoting protectionist policies, economic populism, and a strong stance against immigration. They often suggest that European culture is being replaced by that of migrants, leading to demographic redefinition and the need for expulsion of migrants. Despite facing backlash from mainstream parties and other critics, the far-right parties have managed to shift political discourse and policies to the right.
In response to the growing influence of far-right parties, mainstream political parties have sometimes adopted similar policies to appeal to voters. However, there are concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and the legitimization of extreme ideologies in the pursuit of electoral success. The far right’s increasing share of the vote and potential for coalition-building pose challenges to traditional political dynamics in Europe.
While some countries have managed to keep the far right out of government through strategic voting and coalition-building, the continued rise of these parties raises questions about the future of democracy and political competition in Europe. As mainstream parties grapple with how to respond effectively to the far right, the potential for further political shifts and challenges to democratic norms remains a pressing concern.
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