The Future of Far-Right Parties in Europe
Europe is likely to see more far-right parties come to power in the next few years, which will translate into more anti-migrant sentiments and Islamophobia.
A group of people, led by far right movement PEGIDA (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the Occident) gather on a demonstration against "Islam" and immigrants at Neumarkt Square in Dresden, Germany. Photo by Anadolu Images.
F
ar-right and racist ideology in Europe has a deep-rooted history and has shown the ability to transform itself into a political movement through political parties. Due to the basic functions of political parties in pluralist democracies, namely representation, agenda setting, public relations, awareness raising, and aspirations to power, political party status is a tremendous tool for the social organization of far-right and racist movements.
Especially in recent years, far-right parties have experienced a serious upward trend in European politics and have strengthened their presence in all regions of the European geography. Far-right parties have gradually gained popular support in several European countries, especially in Germany, France, and Italy, and have achieved significant electoral success. They have thus succeeded in becoming integrated actors in European countries’ political institutions.
Political parties are an important instrument for the functioning of democracy. They represent different segments of society, formulate policies, and seek to reflect the will of the people through elections. The inability of left-wing, liberal, and conservative political parties to offer convincing alternative solutions to the electorates’ problems, and the fact that they are too fragmented and divided to form coalitions, is seen by far-right parties as a window of opportunity to gain power in the coming years.
Ideology of European far-right parties
Although the ideologies of far-right parties in different parts of Europe differ to some extent, they are based on common points and references. These can be defined under four headings:
– Nationalism and cultural identity: Far-right and racist parties emphasize nationalism and cultural identity, placing great importance on the superiority and interests of a country or nation. Far-right parties try to attract support by focusing on national pride, national values, and cultural identity. They usually seek to unite society under the guise of a “sense of belonging” by distinguishing between “us” and “them.”
– Authoritarianism and strong leadership: Strong authoritarian leaders influence their followers by advocating discriminatory and authoritarian policies. They try to exploit society’s security concerns by emphasizing issues such as safety, order, and harsh punishment. Authoritarian leadership is used by the far right to achieve its political goals and to govern society.
– Racism and anti-immigrant sentiment: Far-right parties adopt ideological elements such as racism and anti-immigrant sentiments and show discrimination and hostility towards other groups, while defending the superiority of their own ethnic or national group. Anti-immigrant sentiment is central to the policies of these parties and often includes harsh restrictions on immigrants, racial or cultural discrimination, and policies of ethnic cleansing.
– Populism: Far-right and racist parties often use populist rhetoric. Populism aims to mobilize support by exploiting people’s emotional and economic concerns. Far-right parties present simplistic messages and answers to appeal to broad sections of the population.
The ideologies of far-right parties are based on elements such as nationalism, authoritarianism, racism, and anti-immigrant sentiments. These ideologies can spread under the influence of factors such as social discontent, economic crises, cultural conflicts, and security concerns.
History of European far-right parties
The Nazi and Fascist movements represent one of the darkest periods of the twentieth century. The Nazi movement arose in Germany under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, while the Fascist movement arose in Italy under the leadership of Benito Mussolini. The origins of the Nazi movement in Germany are linked to Germany’s economic crisis and social discontent in the aftermath of World War I.
The heavy war reparations and economic conditions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles led to great social discontent. By exploiting this sentiment, Hitler promised to restore German national pride and power. Nazi ideology was based on authoritarianism, nationalism, racism, and anti-Semitism. The Nazi Party, led by Hitler, came to power in 1933 and transformed Germany into a totalitarian regime.
The Fascist movement emerged in Italy under the leadership of Benito Mussolini who adopted the Fascist ideology in the environment of social and political turmoil following the end of World War I. The origins of the Fascist movement can be traced back to the postwar period when Italy was struggling with problems such as an economic crisis, unemployment, and political instability. Mussolini used this discontent and uncertainty to establish the Fascist movement. After the event known as the “March on Rome” in 1922, Mussolini came to power and transformed Italy into a Fascist state.
The emergence and rise of both movements in the years of social and economic depression following World War I were made possible by a combination of historical, political, and social factors. Taking advantage of people’s loss of dignity, economic hardship, and social unrest, these movements spread their authoritarian and totalitarian ideology and gained power, leading to the catastrophe that was World War II.
Following another devastating war in Europe, destruction and humanitarian disasters were omnipresent across the continent. The suffering caused by the war led to discontent and insecurity in society, and political instability and economic difficulties paved the way for the emergence of far-right parties. Meanwhile the banning of ideologies such as Fascism and Nazism caused some far-right groups to operate underground.
Thus, Europe’s dominant countries, especially Germany, did not accommodate far-right parties into their political systems and ensured that they remained marginalized for a long time. During this period, far-right parties transformed themselves in order to win votes in elections, taking into account local social developments and the cyclical variability of world politics.
Until the 1980s, neofascist political parties generally carried on the mission of the Fascist and Nazi parties of the past. Labor migration in Europe in the 1960s and 1970s led to an increase in the immigrant population. With the periodic economic crises since the 1990s, some segments of society have become concerned about immigrants and different cultures. Economic uncertainties such as rising unemployment, ever-worsening financial difficulties, and income inequality have led to anti-immigrant sentiments among the local populations.
Since the 2000s, there has been a new wave of migration to Europe and an increase in the foreign population on the continent due to terrorist attacks, economic problems, and the Arab Spring. Although far-right parties have not completely changed their neofascist formation so as to turn this dynamic into an opportunity, they have mobilized and expanded their existing support base by resorting to populist politics that rely on social discontent and concerns, anti-immigration sentiments, and xenophobia in order to reach large masses. Now, far-right parties have changed their guise and softened their neofascist and Nazi rhetoric in order to win the support of non-radicalized conservative masses. Islamophobia and anti-immigrant policies against “non-white” immigrants have increased their popularity and begun to win votes.
Since the beginning of the twentieth century, far-right parties have undergone their second evolution. True to their racist and anti-immigrant agenda, they have declared war on the globalizing world. Globalization refers to worldwide economic, political, social, and cultural interaction and integration, including elements such as advances in communication and transport technologies, free trade and investment policies, and the strengthening of international institutions. Globalization also features drawbacks such as income inequality, social and cultural conflicts, environmental degradation, and inequitable distribution of resources. The main reasons why far-right parties oppose globalization are nationalism, concerns about the loss of national sovereignty, economic effects (loss of wealth), and the preservation of cultural identity. While globalization brings about economic and cultural change, some parts of society react to this change.
Far-right parties, which have become the self-proclaimed “protectors” of the masses that find themselves on the losing end of the new globalized world, aim to convince the isolated masses that there are easy solutions to their problems through populist discourses and by mobilizing their thoughts and emotions against a specific enemy. Far-right parties, with their hatred of Islam and immigrants, and their stance against globalization, have gained serious momentum with the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War.
The rise of far-right parties in Europe
The rise of far-right parties in Europe has attracted attention and concern in recent years. Understanding the factors behind this rise will help us to understand the popularity and influence of far-right parties. Factors such as migration, economic uncertainty, cultural concerns, emphasis on national identity, and political crises are important factors influencing the rise of the far right.
Migration is an important factor in the rise of extreme right-wing parties. The large waves of migration and the so-called refugee crises in Europe have raised security concerns and fears of cultural conflict in certain milieus. Far-right parties use the issue of migration to spread fear and anxiety among the population and advocate harsh and restrictive immigration policies.
Economic insecurity and social injustice are other factors that have increased the popularity of far-right parties. Problems such as economic recession, unemployment, and income inequality drive people towards far-right parties. In particular, the loss of people’s welfare due to the global economic devastation caused by the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine War have led to the far right’s emphasis on economic nationalism and protectionist policies finding a response in society.
Cultural concerns in Europe and the emphasis on national identity can also be linked to the rise of far-right parties. The issues of cultural diversity and the protection of cultural values are an important concern for a significant part of society. By emphasizing national identity, far-right parties exploit cultural concerns and advocate cultural protectionism.
In addition, political crises have triggered the rise of far-right parties by fueling the public’s loss of trust of government and discontent. Society’s loss of confidence in the political system can lead to far-right parties being seen as valid alternatives. Political scandals, exposed corruption, perceptions of elitism, and the weakness of political institutions increase the support for far-right parties.
In conclusion, the rise of far-right parties in Europe is the result of factors such as migration, economic uncertainty, cultural concerns, emphasis on national identity, and political crises.
In recent years, Europe has witnessed an increase in the number of far-right parties while in the 2022-2023 national elections governments across the continent were formed by or in partnership with far-right groups. The latest such examples come from Italy, Sweden, and Finland. In addition, in Germany and France, far-right parties failed to enter government in national elections, but managed to win a high proportion of the vote.
The recent uprising in France by North African immigrants against the racist behavior of the French security forces will undoubtedly contribute to the rise of far-right parties across the European continent. Europe is likely to see more far-right parties come to power in the next few years, which will translate into anti-migrant sentiments and Islamophobia. Only time will tell when and where this far-right wave will stop in Europe.
