Institute for a Greater EuropeIncreasing Far-Right Insurgence in Europe
Editors: Jannis Gesemann & Weronika Pawlowska
Introduction
Far-right politics in Europe is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has gained significant attention in recent years. From rising nationalism to anti-immigrant sentiment, far-right movements and parties have become a major force in several European countries. The year 2022 was marked as the most prominent in the rise of the far-right in Europe, with Georgia Meloni forming a new ruling coalition in Italy, giving the country its first far-right-led government since the end of the Second World War. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán, who is widely viewed as the most pro-Kremlin leader within the European Union, won a fourth successive term as the country’s prime minister. Moreover, in Sweden, three centre-right parties have agreed to form a minority government with the Sweden Democrats, the country’s main far-right party. This begs the questions of what factors have contributed to this rise of far-right politics in Europe and what its potential consequences are for European societies?
Factors Contributing to the Rise of the Far-Right in Europe
The emergence and evolution of far-right politics in Europe can be traced back to the aftermath of the Second World War. The defeat of Nazi Germany and the exposure of the atrocities committed by the regime discredited far-right ideology and marginalised its adherents. However, far-right politics began to reemerge in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by a variety of factors, including the backlash against the liberal social and cultural changes of the time, the economic downturn, and the rise of immigration.[1] Many far-right groups sought to exploit these issues to gain support and influence. While there are many factors that contributed to the increase in the far-right, notably those of economic, political, and institutional factors, as well as the rise of nationalism, social media, and technology, it is the issue of immigration that seems to have had the biggest impact. Immigration and refugee policies have become increasingly contentious in Europe, with far-right groups often advocating for stricter immigration policies and tighter border control. This has been fuelled by the so-called refugee crisis, which has seen a large influx of people fleeing from conflict and persecution in the Middle East and Africa and seeking asylum in Europe.[2] When Giorgia Meloni took office as prime minister in October 2022, she pledged to defend Italy’s standing in Europe and to enact strict restrictions on illegal immigration. The coalition led by Meloni has a record for being the most right-wing administration since the collapse of Italian fascism. Compared to the previous two governments, its ruling coalition has promised to address social issues with more conservatism.[3] The pandemic and European governments’ strict Covid-19 policies also contributed to the rise to far-right movements. In the 2020 Polish presidential elections, barely 30% of the general population expressed support for Covid-19 restrictions based on polling data and election results. Meanwhile, in Portugal’s 2022 general elections, the right-wing populist Chega party increased its vote share from 1.3 % to 7.2% since its last general elections in 2019.[4] Similarly, in Romania’s 2020 general elections, the Alliance for the Unification of Romanians (AUR) came out of absolute electoral obscurity to garner 9% of the vote and rank as the fourth-largest fraction in the parliament.[5] Therefore, across the European Union, the extreme right has found a way into mainstream politics, either by compelling the conventional left and right parties to take a tougher stance in order to retain voters or by becoming mainstream altogether.
Consequences: The Impact of Far-Right Politics on Democracy, Society, and Human Rights in Europe
Throughout Europe, the emergence and increasing influence of far-right parties has had serious ramifications. Among the most significant effects are the increased division and polarisation of societies, the undermining of democracy, the violation of human rights, and the weakening of global cooperation.
Division and Polarisation
Far-right politics frequently encourage polarisation and division within societies, causing social tensions and escalating already-existing inequities. Increased marginalisation and discrimination of minority groups as well as social instability and war may result from this. For instance, the rise of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has led to an increase in xenophobia and discrimination against immigrants and refugees in the country. Such rhetoric and behaviours have weakened social cohesiveness and undermined democratic norms by polarising and dividing German society.
Undermining of Democracy
Right-wing extremist ideas and groups are posing a grave threat to democratic societies. The electoral far-right poses a substantial danger to European liberal democracy, although the threat varies significantly throughout the continent. The greatest threat arises when a single far-right party enjoys a constitutional majority, as in Hungary, where democracy has been effectively destroyed. Far-right groups often espouse authoritarian and anti-democratic values. They may seek to undermine democratic institutions and processes, such as free and fair elections, the rule of law, and the freedom of the press. This can lead to a breakdown of democratic norms and institutions, threatening the stability of the political system.
Violation of Human Rights
The far-right frequently advocates for laws that violate human rights, such as those that limit the freedom of speech, assembly, and association, and single out minority groups for unfair treatment. Human rights and freedoms may deteriorate as a result, leading to major ramifications for both people and the community as a whole. This can be seen in the recent anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in Hungary. More specifically, in 2020, the Hungarian government led by the far-right Fidesz party, passed a law that effectively banned transgender people from legally changing their gender, thereby violating the whole LGBTQIA+ community’s human rights, notably their rights to dignity, privacy, and freedom from discrimination.[6]
Weakening of Global Cooperation
Far-right parties frequently push nationalist and isolationist policies, hindering international cooperation and leading to greater conflict and friction between countries. For example, the nationalist and isolationist policies advocated by far-right politicians in the United Kingdom have led to increased tensions with other countries, particularly within the European Union, including a strained relationship with Ireland, which shares a border with Northern Ireland. These tensions and conflicts can make it more challenging to address global concerns and to cooperate effectively with other countries. The promotion of protectionist policies and economic nationalism by the far-right can result in trade restrictions, decreased investment, and economic instability. This may hinder economic development, exacerbate poverty and inequality, and restrict access to necessities like food and shelter.
Conclusion: The Need for Continued Vigilance and Action against Far-Right Politics in Europe
The rise of far-right politics in Europe is a concerning trend that must be met with continued vigilance and action. While progress has been made in recent years to counteract the spread of far-right ideologies, these movements continue to pose a threat to the stability and inclusivity of the European Union. Discriminatory policies that affect minority groups like immigrants, Non-Christians, and the LGBTQIA+ community are frequently promoted by far-right politicians. These ideas not only hurt people who are directly impacted by them, but they also cause societal division and polarisation, undermining democratic and human rights values. To confront far-right extremism, it is imperative that European governments and civil society organisations collaborate. This might involve putting policies into place that enhance social inclusion and cohesiveness as well as offering support for marginalised communities. Moreover, continued vigilance is required to stop far-right groups to even gain further political power and influence.
References
[1] Zeveleth, Jessica, "Why Europe's far-right parties keep moving right," Vox, September 28, 2021
[2] Majumdar, Rudra. "Rising Far-right, Declining Centre-left: The Future of Refugees in Europe." Observer Research Foundation, October 4, 2018, https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/rising-far-right-declining-centre-left-future-refugees-europe/.
[3] Fraser. Alex. (2022), ‘’How will Italian PM Meloni's anti-immigration stance evolve in 2023?’’ https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2022-12-26/How-will-Italian-PM-Meloni-s-anti-immigration-stance-evolve-in-2023--1g59e9AJHws/index.html
[4] Mendes. S Marina. (2021), “The rise of Chega and the end of Portuguese exceptionalism” https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2021/01/21/the-rise-of-chega-and-the-end-of-portuguese-exceptionalism/
[5] Chirileasa. Andrei. (2020), “Who is AUR, the anti-system movement that has become the new force in Romanian politics? https://www.romania-insider.com/profile-alliance-romanians-unity-elections-2020
[6] Reuters. "Hungary's anti-LGBTQ+ law breaches international rights standards: European Rights Court." December 14, 2021. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungarys-anti-lgbtq-law-breaches-international-rights-standards-european-rights-2021-12-14/.