The surge in far-right forces in Europe is a concerning trend, despite recent setbacks in countries like Poland. Despite this, projections suggest that the ultra-right, which is diverse and disunited, will perform better in the upcoming European elections in June compared to 2019. These forces have a chance of winning in countries like Italy, France, the Netherlands, Hungary, or Austria and coming in second in Germany.
The far-right could obtain more than 180 out of 720 seats in the European Parliament, which could have a significant impact on key issues such as the green transition, rule of law, enlargement towards the east, and immigration policies. The Parliament could also become more polarized on foreign policy challenges like the defense of Ukraine against Russian invasion and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, it is important to note that these parties within Europe have considerable differences among themselves on various political agendas.
Differences can be seen in their positions on issues like relations with Russia, rights and status of women in society, fiscal matters, and social policies. While some parties are in favor of stricter positions towards Russia and conservative stances on social issues, others have more moderate approaches. These differences make it challenging for a cohesive far-right group to form in the European Parliament.
Despite some common elements like nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment, far-right parties within Europe adapt their policies based on societal issues and values in their respective countries. Some emphasize ultra-liberalism while others focus on social protection. Adherence to democratic values also varies among these parties, with some being criticized for actions harmful to democracy.
Overall, the far-right landscape in Europe is complex and multifaceted