OMG, you guys, like, Europe is, like, totally seeing this major rise in far-right political parties. It’s, like, all over the news and everything. This article is a bit longer than our youge, so grab your lattes and let’s dive in.
A Recent History of Far-Right Fab Moments
2014 – EU Elections: So, like, back in 2014, the European Parliament elections were a big deal. The far-right parties totally grabbed the spotlight. The French National Front, led by Marine Le Pen, snagged 24 seats. I know, right? That’s, like, a lot! 🇫🇷
2015 – The Refugee Crisis: Europe had, like, this massive refugee situation in 2015, and the far-right parties were, like, “We told you so!” They used it to totally boost their popularity. They were all about closing borders and stuff.
2016 – Brexit Shockwave: Then came Brexit in 2016! The UK decided to, like, peace out from the EU. This was such a win for the far-right UK Independence Party (UKIP) and their super charismatic leader Nigel Farage. He was, like, everywhere! 🇬🇧
2017 – France and Germany: Fast forward to 2017, and Marine Le Pen made it to the final round of the French presidential election. She didn’t win, but, like, wow, it was close! And in Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party got into the Bundestag for the first time ever with 12.6% of the vote. That’s, like, a huge deal! 🇩🇪
2018 – Italy and Sweden: In Italy, the League party, led by Matteo Salvini, like, totally surged in the polls and joined the government. And in Sweden, the Sweden Democrats scored 17.5% in the general election, which is, like, their best result ever. So cray! 🇮🇹🇸🇪
2019 – The National Rally (formerly National Front) in France got, like, 23.3% of the vote in the 2019 EU elections. That’s, like, a quarter of the votes! 🇫🇷
2019 – Italy: The League’s support has been, like, growing super fast. By 2019, they were polling at, like, 34% (from 17.4% in 2018). Talk about a glow-up! 🇮🇹
What’s Happening Now?
France – Marine Le Pen Still Slaying: So, like, Marine Le Pen and her party, the National Rally, are still a major force. In the 2022 presidential elections, she made it to the final round again but lost to Emmanuel Macron. Even so, she got, like, over 40% of the vote. That’s, like, huge! And in the June 2024 EU elections, she did really well. Her party is, like, super popular among the youth and working-class voters. 🇫🇷
Germany – AfD on the Rise: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is, like, totally rising. In recent state elections, they’ve been doing super well, especially in the east of Germany. They even got over 20% of the vote in some regions. The AfD is, like, all about opposing immigration and the EU, and they’re gaining more support as people get worried about economic issues and security. 🇩🇪
Italy – Meloni Magic: Giorgia Meloni and her party, Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia), are, like, totally the new stars of the Italian far-right. They’ve been getting more popular, and Meloni became the first female Prime Minister of Italy in 2022. She’s, like, super charismatic and is pushing for traditional values, stricter immigration controls, and economic reforms. Her government is, like, making waves and shaking things up big time. 🇮🇹
Sweden – Sweden Democrats Shine: The Sweden Democrats (SD) are, like, continuing to slay in Swedish politics. In the 2022 general elections, they got 20.5% of the vote, becoming the second-largest party. They’re pushing for a tough stance on immigration and crime, and their influence is, like, growing in the Swedish parliament. 🇸🇪
Spain – Vox Power: Vox, the far-right party in Spain, is, like, totally gaining ground. They got 15.1% of the vote in the 2019 general elections and have been increasing their presence in regional parliaments. They’re all about Spanish nationalism, opposing Catalan independence, and, like, cracking down on immigration. 🇪🇸
Hot Issues and Why They’re Trending
Immigration: Like, so many people are worried about immigration. Far-right parties are, like, totally capitalizing on these fears and promising to, like, close borders and protect national identities.
Economic Woes: With the economy being, like, super uncertain, lots of voters are turning to far-right parties who are, like, promising jobs, lower taxes, and better welfare for locals.
National Identity: There’s, like, a big push to preserve national culture and traditions. Far-right parties are, like totally tapping into this vibe and promising to protect the cultural heritage and national identity. They’re, like, super against anything they see as a threat to these values. 🇪🇺
EU Skepticism: A lot of these far-right parties are super skeptical of the European Union. They feel like the EU has too much control over their countries and want to, like, take back sovereignty. This whole “Euroskepticism” thing is, like, a major trend.
Recent Headlines and OMG Moments
Austria – Freedom Party (FPÖ) Surge: In Austria, the Freedom Party (FPÖ) is, like, having a moment. They’ve been gaining in the polls, especially with their strong stance on immigration and criticism of the EU. They’re expected to, like, do really well in upcoming elections. 🇦🇹
Hungary – Viktor Orbán’s Stronghold: Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz party are, like, totally dominating Hungary. Orbán has been pushing for, like, super conservative policies and has a strong anti-immigration stance. His government is, like, a big influence on other far-right parties in Europe. 🇭🇺
Poland – Law and Justice Party (PiS): In Poland, the Law and Justice Party (PiS) is, like, still in power and going strong. They’re all about traditional values, national sovereignty, and are, like, super skeptical of the EU. They’ve been making headlines with their controversial judicial reforms and anti-LGBTQ+ policies. 🇵🇱
Netherlands – Thierry Baudet and Forum for Democracy (FvD): Thierry Baudet and his party, Forum for Democracy (FvD), are, like, creating waves in Dutch politics. They’re known for their populist rhetoric, opposition to immigration, and criticism of climate policies. Baudet is, like, super charismatic and controversial, making headlines all the time. 🇳🇱
Finland – Finns Party (PS): The Finns Party is, like, totally rising in Finland. They’re advocating for stricter immigration controls and more nationalistic policies. They’ve been gaining support and are expected to, like, play a major role in the next elections. 🇫🇮
The Big Picture
So, like, what’s the overall vibe? Far-right parties in Europe are, like, totally on the rise, and they’re influencing politics in a big way. They’re tapping into people’s fears and frustrations about things like immigration, the economy, and national identity. And, like, their anti-EU stance is gaining traction among voters who feel disconnected from Brussels.
But, like, not everyone is happy about this trend. There’s a lot of concern about the impact on democracy, human rights, and social cohesion. Critics are warning about the dangers of nationalism and xenophobia. It’s, like, a super polarizing issue.
What’s Next?
OMG, who even knows what’s gonna happen next? The political scene in Europe is, like, totally dynamic and unpredictable. Far-right parties are gaining momentum, and it looks like they’re here to stay. But, like, there’s also a strong pushback from other political groups and civil society.
So, babes, keep your eyes peeled and stay woke, ’cause European politics is a rollercoaster right now. Whether you’re sipping your latte in Paris, Berlin, Rome, or anywhere else, the far-right drama is, like, totally something to watch.
Stay fab and politically aware, and don’t forget to vote, ’cause every voice matters!
