The Rise of Radical Right in European Politics

A significant shift has been witnessed in the political landscape, marked by an increase in the impact and triumph of radical-right parties across European politics. This is a trend that involves far-right leaders taking power, traditional center-right parties aligning with right-wing fringes, and far-right parties gaining parliamentary seats and regional offices.

Underlying this trend are the (recent) developments in the Netherlands, Italy, and Hungary. Polls showed the unexpected surge of Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) in the Netherlands’ parliamentary elections. Also, Giorgia Meloni’s party, Fratelli d’Italia, secured a victory in Italy’s 2022 elections, by among other cases, emphasizing migration issues. Additionally, Viktor Orban, who has been Hungary's prime minister since 2010, achieved a renewed absolute majority in the 2022 parliamentary elections. Orban’s party Fidesz continues to dominate Hungarian politics, illustrating the enduring strength of the radical-right in the country. 

Moreover, radical-right parties in Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden have become integral parts of ruling coalitions, but they also have substantial influence over policies from the opposition. This dynamic shift underscores the increasing relevance of these parties in shaping the national agenda. 

Widespread disillusionment with the conventional political entities, among others, underpin this rise of radical-right parties. Issues such as Euroscepticism, immigration, as well as economic concerns, contribute to this surge. Analysts have highlighted that, especially in times of crisis, populist right parties seem more popular. That is because they offer seemingly simple solutions and promise protection against perceived threats. Additionally, they capitalize on an appeal to traditional values, religion, and opposition to liberal values that are associated with liberal democracy and the EU.

The upcoming European Parliament elections may align with this “radical right-wave”. The elections may result in new political agendas, and potentially even weaken main parties such as the European People’s Party (EPP), Renew, the Socialists and the Democrats. There has been recent cooperation between the center-right EPP and more right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group. This however raises concerns about policy-making after 2024. The elections could lead to a more conservative Brussels, with the ECR and far-right parties like Italy’s Fratelli d’Italia and Poland’s Law and Justice party, impacting the legislative agenda. 

However, this trend is not universally embraced. In some countries, such as Ireland and Lithuania, a centrist government prevails, alongside a social democrat-led Germany. This emphasizes the nuanced and varied political landscape across the continent. Furthermore, the radical-right has faced some setbacks such as Vox’s defeat in Spain and the exclusion of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) from power in Germany. 

The rightward shift in European politics, as shown by the recent developments in the Netherlands and Italy, as well as Spain potentially following suit, signifies a broader trend. But, while this trend is evident in various countries, there is no uniform response, such as in Ireland and Lithuania. As Europe approaches elections, the influence of the radical-right parties on national and EU-level politics will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the continent’s future direction. 

References

Koutsokosta, E. (2023, 19 juni). Why the far-right is increasingly getting into power across Europe. euronews. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/06/19/why-the-far-right-is-increasingly-getting-into-power-across-europe 

Lynch, S. (2023, 30 juni). Europe swings right — and reshapes the EU. POLITICO. https://www.politico.eu/article/far-right-giorgia-meloni-europe-swings-right-and-reshapes-the-eu/ 

Nws, V. (2023, 23 november). Is de overwinning van Geert Wilders in Nederland een voorbode van de verkiezingen in België volgend jaar? vrtnws.be. https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/11/23/nederland-vlaanderen-belgie-verkiezingen-vlaams-belang-pvv-2024/ 

Nws, V. (2023a, november 23). Hoe is Geert Wilders aan zijn monsterscore geraakt? “VVD zette deur open” en door “migratie aan bestaanszekerheid te koppelen”. vrtnws.be. https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/11/23/hoe-is-geert-wilders-aan-zijn-monsterzege-geraakt/

Nws, V. (2023c, november 24). Is radicaal-rechts in opmars in Europa of lijkt dat maar zo? vrtnws.be. https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/11/24/radicaal-rechts-kaart-europa-pvv-nederland-golf/