The rise of far-right political parties in Europe, characterized by authoritarianism, populism, and extreme hostility towards immigration, has gained momentum in recent years. This trend has been fueled by events such as the global financial crisis of 2007-8 and the migration crisis in 2015, leading to economic anxieties and a surge in anti-immigrant sentiment. Parties like Austria’s Freedom Party, France’s National Rally, and Germany’s Alternative for Germany have made significant gains, advocating for closed borders, anti-Islamic policies, and protectionist economic measures.
These far-right parties often share Trumpian protectionist policies, economic populism, and the belief that European culture is being replaced by others. They push for the expulsion of migrants and emphasize ethnic replacement and demographic redefinition. Mainstream parties have shifted towards these far-right ideals, adopting hard stances on immigration and values to counter the electoral threat posed by these parties.
In Europe’s multiparty system, the far right is increasingly challenging centrist conservatives as the main right-wing force, with some countries seeing the potential for far-right parties to become the dominant right-wing party. While centrist parties can sometimes form coalitions to keep the far right out of power, this strategy comes with risks of alienating voters and undermining democratic principles. The resurgence of far-right ideologies in Europe poses challenges for mainstream parties in navigating the political landscape while remaining true to democratic values.
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