Europe’s Turn to Right

Years of unrestrained migration policy, rising crime, euro-skepticism and an unfavorable economic outlook have led to the current scenario

In the recent European Parliament elections, voters in 27 countries primarily supported centrist parties, although far-right factions made notable gains in France and Germany. Preliminary results indicated that while centrist groups were set to lose some seats, they would still hold a majority of over 400 seats in the 720-seat parliament. This outcome is expected to bolster the far-right as a disruptive force, unsettling the bloc’s mainstream political establishment.

The elections revealed a growing discontent with the traditional political establishment in Europe and highlighted the persistent momentum of far-right forces over the past decade. In France, the results triggered a significant political upheaval. President Emmanuel Macron announced on national television that he would dissolve the National Assembly and call for new legislative elections, expressing concern over the rise of nationalist and demagogic forces as a threat to the nation and Europe. Marine Le Pen, Macron’s main rival, emerged in a stronger position to challenge the French mainstream in the upcoming presidential elections, given Macron’s term limits. Similarly, in Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, labeled a “suspected” extremist group by authorities, showed a robust performance, securing about 16 percent of the vote. This placed them behind the conservative Christian Democratic Union but ahead of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats, making AfD the country’s second-ranking party.

Tables by the New York Times

Nationalist and anti-immigrant groups in the European Parliament are likely to control around 130 seats, a significant increase from the last election in 2019. Right-wing parties now govern in seven of the EU’s 27 countries, driven by voter focus on nationalism and identity, often linked to migration and cultural issues similar to those in the United States. This surge in far-right support is expected to resonate in the US, encouraging political forces aligned with former President Donald Trump. Several factors have contributed to the rise of the right, including lingering anger over Covid-19 policies and inflation following the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which led Europe to reduce its reliance on Russian energy. The election results exposed vulnerabilities in the governments of France and Germany, the EU’s core members, raising concerns about their ability to respond to international threats.

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EU leaders have already adjusted environmental and migration policies to address conservative concerns. However, the success of more radical right-wing parties could lead to tighter borders and reduced climate ambitions. Despite the far-right gains, the mainstream conservative European People’s Party is set to hold first place with 189 seats, while the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats and the Renew group are projected to lose some seats. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, celebrated her party’s victory and called for centrist cooperation to ensure a strong and effective Europe. She emphasized the responsibility of centrist parties to maintain stability. The Greens, who suffered significant losses, might still play a crucial role in supporting centrist majorities.

Tables by the New York Times

The election largely maintained the balance of power in the European Parliament, which is responsible for approving legislation, the bloc’s budget, and its top leaders. The first test for the weaker centrist majority will be the approval of the new European Commission president in July. Von der Leyen, likely to be nominated again, will need to secure broad support for a second term, potentially requiring more moderate policy commitments on climate and other issues. Voters sent a clear message to mainstream political powers, disrupting politics in France and Germany and empowering nationalist parties across Europe. Nevertheless, the feared far-right wave did not fully materialize, and the center of EU politics held firm. The mainstream conservative group performed strongly, maintaining its dominance and even gaining seats. This was attributed to their strategy of integrating more right-leaning policies to retain voters.A significant factor behind the victory of right-wing parties in the recent European Parliament elections can be attributed to the liberal migration policies championed by left-wing factions over the past decade. These policies have led to a substantial influx of Muslim immigrants into Europe. This demographic shift has been accompanied by a rise in terrorist attacks, significantly increasing violence and criminality across the continent. The situation has been further exacerbated by frequent pro-Palestinian marches and demonstrations in support of terrorist groups such as Hamas. These events have been far from peaceful, often resulting in clashes and confrontations between protesters and the police. A majority of these demonstrators are immigrants who, seek to impose their own rules and values in countries that are not their own. This has alienated the European middle class, pushing them towards the right-wing parties that promise stricter immigration controls and a tougher stance on crime and terrorism.

Table by the New York Times

These protests, perceived as absurd and dangerously disruptive, have been instrumental in shifting public opinion. The native European populace, feeling increasingly unsafe and culturally displaced, has turned to right-wing parties that advocate for national sovereignty, tighter border controls, and a return to traditional values. The right-wing’s narrative of protecting national identity and ensuring public safety resonated deeply with voters who felt neglected and threatened by the unchecked immigration and the violence it has allegedly brought. The electorate’s desire for stability, security, and a reassertion of national identity has fundamentally reshaped the political landscape, empowering parties that were once on the fringes to now take center stage in European politics.

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