Written By David Gomez
The far right has been making substantial inroads, particularly in Europe, and this rise poses profound questions and challenges for democratic societies. Understanding the factors driving this surge and the potential dangers it entails is crucial for navigating the political landscape of the future.
One of the most striking aspects of the far-right’s ascent is its significant foothold in various European parliaments. Parties like France’s National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, have made notable gains. In the recent French legislative elections, despite finishing third, National Rally increased its seats from 89 in 2022 to 143. This rise, although partially curbed by a coalition between leftist parties and President Emmanuel Macron’s party, underscores a worrying trend: the far right is getting closer to wielding substantial political power.
In the United Kingdom, on the other hand, the political scene has witnessed a dramatic shift. Keir Starmer, the new Prime Minister, leads the Labour Party to an overwhelming victory, securing 412 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons. This historic defeat for the Conservatives, who have ruled since 2010, reflects a significant shift in the political landscape.
However, this situation does not erase the consistent representation of far-right ideologies within the European Parliament, suggesting a persistent undercurrent of radical right-wing support in different parts of Europe.
The appeal of the far right is often intertwined with economic insecurities. Many of these parties have managed to recruit votes from people facing low economic prospects and declining sectors.
Yet, as Harvard political scientist Pippa Norris suggests, the traditional left-right economic divide is increasingly being overshadowed by cultural issues. Immigration, national identity, and cultural conservatism have become the battlegrounds where these parties thrive. The refugee crisis of 2015, for instance, was a catalyst for the rise of far-right parties like the AfD in Germany and the Sweden Democrats.
Historically, alliances between traditional (and democratic) right-wing parties and radical right factions have yielded troubling outcomes. Harvard University professors, Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, in their book “How Democracies Die,” highlight how such alliances in the interwar period (specifically between the 1st and 2nd World Wars) led to the demise of democracies, exemplified by the rise of Nazi Germany. Today, the support of traditional right-wing parties has empowered far-right movements, raising concerns about the stability and future of democratic governance.
Furthermore, the far-right’s agenda is often bolstered by ultraconservative and ultrareligious groups. These alliances typically promote policies that undermine personal freedoms, opposing abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ), for example, rooted in Nazi origins, stands as a significant political force in Austria, reflecting the enduring appeal of far-right ideologies.
In the United States, the potential re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 adds another layer of complexity. Trump’s previous term and the ultra-conservative “Project 2025” agenda - which I will write about in more detail in my next column - highlight the dangers posed by far-right ideologies gaining widespread acceptance. These developments not only threaten to set back progressive policies, but also risk deepening social divisions. Needless to say, the presidential results of our neighbouring country will also influence the development of Canada as a country in the future.
Economically, far-right parties often adopt protectionist and nationalist stances, opposing globalization and multilateralism. This rhetoric appeals to voters nostalgic for a past era of national self-sufficiency and industrial dominance. Nevertheless, such positions are frequently at odds with the realities of modern economies, which rely on international trade and cooperation.
Despite the economic narratives, it is the cultural issues that truly mobilize far-right supporters. The backlash against globalization, coupled with a desire to return to an idealized past, fuels the appeal of these movements. This cultural focus is evident in the rhetoric of leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Giorgia Meloni in Italy, who prioritize issues of national identity and sovereignty over economic policy.
The rise of the far right across the globe, not only in Europe, signals a shift in the political and cultural landscape. The potential consequences of this surge are profound, threatening to undermine democratic institutions and roll back decades of social progress. It is imperative to critically examine and address the underlying issues fueling this rise to safeguard the future of democracy.
