The Rise of the Far Right in Europe and Threats to Democracy

Whether the successive crises of the last fifteen years are one of the main factors triggering the rise of the far right in Europe is one of the most critical questions in European politics. While three far-right parties entered the parliament with nearly 13 percent of the vote in the June 2023 general elections in Greece, this rate reached approximately 16 percent in the 2024 European elections. It is observed that the far right has gained strength in France and Spain, joined the government in Italy, and the AfD has come to the forefront in Germany.

It is noteworthy that alongside the rise of the far right, the European left (Social Democrats and Greens) has been steadily declining. The Social Democrats lost the trust of their traditionally broad voter base when they bowed to the demands of the Washington Consensus. This voter base has shifted toward political forces opposing the system and partially toward the far right. These developments bring along concerns about whether democracy in Europe will be called into question.

A book written by Michael Foessel and Etienne Ollion evaluates how the far right has risen from the margins to the center through the example of France. According to the authors, the far right has succeeded not through an ideological victory, but by presenting its views in a more moderate language and targeting the rhetoric of the left. Furthermore, the influence of far-right media, controlled by billionaires, on citizens victimized by crises also plays a significant role in this rise.

The National Rally party in France has shifted away from the extreme neoliberal line of the early 2000s to a position advocating state intervention and social protection. By adding new issues such as energy and the environment to their agendas, far-right parties are trying to convey the message that they are ready for power. Moving away from the idea of leaving the European Union following the Brexit experience, these parties now aim to carry out their struggle at the level of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.