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Columnist for The Financial Times Gideon Rachman: Growing support for radical parties does not necessarily threaten democracy, but it could profoundly change the EU. Geert Wilders, a Dutch politician known for his criticisms of Islam and immigration, has seen significant success, with his Freedom Party topping polls in the Dutch elections. This trend is mirrored across Europe, with far-right leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Giorgia Meloni in Italy, and Robert Fico in Slovakia gaining power. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become highly popular, and in France, Marine Le Pen’s chances of winning the presidency are increasing.
These developments bring back memories of the interwar years when the far right threatened European democracy. However, current evidence suggests that these modern far-right parties can operate within democratic frameworks. They have demonstrated the ability to join ruling coalitions and then cede power after elections or scandals, as seen in Austria and Italy. Poland’s Law and Justice party, for example, is losing ground and may soon be out of power.
Despite these reassurances, there are concerns about the influence of far-right leaders like Orbán, who has undermined Hungary’s judiciary and media since 2010. The European far right may also be influenced by Donald Trump’s tactics, including questioning election results and promoting anti-immigrant policies.
The far right’s popularity is partly due to increasing legal and illegal migration into Europe, prompting even mainstream politicians to call for reduced immigration. However, delivering on these promises can be challenging, as seen in Italy under Meloni, who has struggled to control refugee inflows despite her tough rhetoric.
These parties often express hostility towards the EU, seeing it as elitist and harmful to national identity. While earlier there was talk of leaving the EU, now far-right parties are more focused on changing it from within, targeting EU human rights laws and refugee commitments.
If the far right continues to gain ground in national and European Parliament elections, it could significantly alter the EU, potentially undermining values and commitments central to the European project.
The entire article can be read at the link https://www.ft.com/content/8384228d-8156-4134-8eb4-035c068704b9
