The Intelligence from The Economist Right, here, waiting: Europe’s populists on the rise
21 snips
Dec 12, 2025 
Guests include Tom Nuttall, a Berlin bureau chief analyzing Germany's populist rise, Sophie Petter, a Paris expert on France's National Rally, and Matthew Holhaus, covering the UK’s Reform UK under Farage. They delve into the shared themes of immigration and anti-elite sentiment across Europe. Sophie highlights the National Rally's transformation, while Tom discusses the AfD's radicalization. Matthew outlines strategies against Farage’s movement and anticipates key political tests in upcoming elections, framing it as a critical moment for Europe.
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Pan-European Populist Surge
- Populist right parties across Britain, Germany and France are gaining ground at the expense of centrist parties.
- Their rise is reshaping national debates about identity, immigration and the future of the European project.
Reform UK's Meteoric Rise
- Matthew Holhaus recounts Reform UK's rapid rise from single digits to being Britain's most popular party.
- He says Reform would have a three-in-five chance of winning a majority if an election were held tomorrow.
Immigration As Unifying Theme
- Anti-immigration sentiment is the core glue binding these movements together.
- It combines with xenophobia, scepticism about environmentalism and an elite-blaming narrative.