Far Right on the march – What Europe’s populist surge means
Jun 5, 2024
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Political analyst Catherine Fieschi discusses the rise of far-right parties in Europe, their impact on EU stability, the defense of Ukraine, and the struggle to halt the populist wave. The podcast delves into the nuances of right-wing ideologies, the surge of anti-establishment parties in Western Europe, and the challenges they pose to traditional politics and democracy.
The surge of far-right parties in Europe threatens the EU's stability and governance.
Radical right parties distort politics with immigration, anti-EU sentiments, and nationalism.
Deep dives
Rise of Far-right Parties in Europe
Far-right parties across Europe, from Spain to Germany and Poland, are gaining momentum and are expected to perform well in the upcoming European Union elections. These parties, including Vox in Spain and Marine Le Pen in France, have formed alliances against issues like illegal migration and socialism, reflecting a surge in anti-establishment sentiments. The support for radical right parties has significantly increased, comprising about half of the anti-establishment vote share.
Populism and Political Ideologies
Populism in Europe often distinguishes between radical/extreme right and populist right groups based on historical associations with fascism and Nazism. Leaders like Marine Le Pen from France have shifted their ideologies towards nationalist appeals against corrupt elites. Parties like Germany's AFD, openly Islamophobic and anti-EU, represent the more extreme end of the right-wing spectrum, urging a revolt against post-war liberal democratic values.
Challenges and Future Implications
The rise of parties like AFD poses a significant challenge to traditional conservative parties in European democracies. Disillusionment with current government efficiency, immigration issues, and economic grievances drive support for far-right groups, especially in Eastern Germany. The surge of anti-establishment parties threatens the European Parliament's makeup, signaling a shift towards more nationalist and less cooperative policies, with potential consequences for governance and unity in Europe.
Hard right parties are sweeping Europe and analysts fear they will do well in this week’s elections across the EU. How deeply are radical right parties, with their immigration and culture war fixations and indulgence of Putin, distorting politics from Spain to Germany and Poland and beyond? What does their success mean for the EU’s stability and the defence of Ukraine? And can the populist wave be stopped?
Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production