In assessing the rise of the right in Europe, we should realize that we are in the midst of political change based on a new world agenda. We need to individually interpret how this change affects us socially and individually.
First of all, as a reminder, before analyzing the rise of the right wing in Europe, it is worth clarifying the following;
The distinction between right and left politics is based on different ideologies, values and priorities in terms of public, economic and social policies.
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Ideologies and Values
Right
1. Market Economy: Advocates free markets, capitalism and reduced state intervention in the economy. Right-wing policies generally favor tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate economic growth and private enterprise.
2. Tradition and Order: Emphasizes traditional values, law and order. Right-wing parties often advocate the traditional family, national security and a strict justice system.
3. National Sovereignty: Emphasizes the protection of national interests and can be critical of supranational institutions such as the European Union. Right-wing policies often emphasize sovereignty and patriotism.
Left
1. Redistributive Economy: Supports state intervention to redistribute wealth, reduce economic inequalities and provide universal public services. Left parties often emphasize the promotion of public services in areas such as health, education and social protection.
2. Progress and Equality: Defends human rights, gender equality, minority rights and civil liberties. Left parties emphasize social progress and inclusion.
3. Internationalism and Solidarity: Supports international cooperation, migrant and refugee rights and promotes sustainable development and global social justice.
Public Policies
Right
– Taxation: Tax cuts to encourage investment and economic growth.
– Education: Generally supports private schools and school choice systems.
– Security: Strict security policies, increased budgets for law enforcement and harsher penalties for crimes.
Left
– Taxation: Increased taxes to finance public services and reduce inequalities.
– Education: Strongly supports accessible and quality public education for all.
– Social Security: Develop and finance social protection programs to support the most vulnerable.
Concrete Examples
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France
– Right: Les Républicains (LR) advocates a market economy, tax cuts and tight security policies.
– Left: La France Insoumise (LFI) advocates social justice, wealth redistribution and ecological policies.
United States of America
– Right: The Republican Party supports the free market, tax cuts and conservative policies on social and security issues.
– Left: The Democratic Party emphasizes social programs, economic regulation and civil rights.
Influence and Perception
– Right: Often perceived as supporting business, the rich and traditional values. It is criticized for not providing enough support to the most disadvantaged classes.
– Left: Often perceived as more inclusive and focused on equality, but criticized for less effective economic management and too much state intervention.
The differences between right and left may vary according to national contexts and historical periods, but these elements provide a basis for understanding the main differences between these two political currents.
The Rise of the Right in Europe
The rise of right-wing parties in Europe, particularly in France, represents a marked shift reflecting dissatisfaction with traditional parties and a desire for more nationalist and protectionist policies. This dynamic could have profound implications for national and European politics in the coming years.
Looking at the governance of other countries, we can see trends of right-leaning policies.
Italy
– Giorgia Meloni: Leader of the far-right party Fratelli d’Italia, Meloni has been prime minister since 2022. His government focuses on reducing immigration, national security and promoting traditional and family values.
Sweden
– Sweden Democrats: Although not in government, they support the current liberal-conservative coalition. The party focuses on strict immigration policies and the preservation of Swedish national identity.
Poland
– Law and Justice Party (PiS): The nationalist right-wing party dominates Polish politics, implementing controversial judicial reforms, restricting media independence and strict anti-immigrant policies.
Hungary
– Viktor Orbán: Hungary’s prime minister and leader of the Fidesz party, Orbán is known for his authoritarian policies, anti-immigrant measures and criticism of the European Union. He has centralized power and restricted civil liberties.
2024 Legislative Elections in France
– Rassemblement National (RN): Formerly Front National (FN), this party has been led by Jordan Bardella since 2018. The party takes a far-right political line, and with 33.15% of the vote, it is leading among right-wing parties.
– NUPES: French coalition of left-wing parties, received 28.14% of the vote.
– Ensemble: Emmanuel Macron’s presidential coalition received 21.27% of the vote, reflecting dissatisfaction with the current president and his policies.
Intersection of Trends in Europe and France
1. Migration and Security: Right-wing parties in Europe and France advocate anti-immigration policies and national security. Marine Le Pen proposes to abolish family reunification, tighten citizenship requirements and deport foreign criminals.
2. National sovereignty: Criticism of European institutions and promotion of national sovereignty. Marine Le Pen wants France to leave NATO’s integrated military command and to strengthen national powers.
3. Economy and purchasing power: Reducing taxes and fees, supporting local companies and raising wages. Marine Le Pen proposes a VAT reduction on energy products and an income tax exemption for those under 30.
Results
– Institutional Blockade: The rise of far-right parties could lead to a political blockade if no bloc wins an absolute majority.
– Reforms: If far-right parties continue to increase their influence, significant reforms could be implemented to change migration, security and economic policies.
The rise of the far right in Europe is due to a combination of socio-political, economic, and cultural factors. Below are some of the main reasons for this rise:
1. Economic Uncertainty and Inequality:
- Financial Crises: The 2008 global financial crisis and the subsequent economic recession led to rising unemployment rates in Europe, especially among young people. This situation reduced public trust in the existing political elites and gave support to far-right parties offering radical solutions.
- Income Inequality: The growing gap between rich and poor has led many people to feel excluded from the existing economic system. The far right found a base with populist rhetoric against such inequalities.
2. Anti-immigrant and Nationalism:
- Migration Crisis: The influx of refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Africa and Asia became a major issue in many parts of Europe, especially after 2015. By presenting this situation as a “cultural threat”, the far right gained public support with anti-immigrant policies.
- Cultural Change and Identity Crisis: The perception that migration threatens indigenous cultures and identities has led many people towards far-right parties that defend nationalist and indigenous values.
3. Security Concerns:
- Terrorist Attacks: Terrorist attacks in Europe have increased security concerns. Far-right parties have used these fears to demand tougher immigration policies and security measures.
- Islamophobia: Prejudices against Islam and Muslims have increased in connection with terrorist attacks and migration. The far right gained support by appealing to these prejudices.
4. Distrust of Political Elites and Institutions:
- Anti-EU: Discontent with the policies of the European Union, especially on the economy and migration, has contributed to the strengthening of the far right. Brexit is a concrete example of this discontent.
- Anti-System: The belief that the current political systems do not meet the needs of the people has led to the rise of radical and anti-system parties.
5. Digitalization and Social Media:
- Propaganda and Manipulation: Social media platforms have become effective tools for spreading far-right propaganda. Misinformation and hate speech spread rapidly through these platforms, increasing polarization in society.
- Alternative Media: Mistrust of traditional media has led many people to turn to alternative media sources controlled by the far right.
The combination of these factors has led to the rise of the far right in the political arena in Europe. However, this rise may also have different dynamics that vary from country to country.
