How the Ideas of the Hard Right Went Mainstream
In the run-up to the European Parliament elections that took place on 9 June, the question at the forefront was whether the hard-right parties would outperform their previous gains. Five years ago, the right had gained significant traction, and the concern was whether that momentum would continue. The results revealed a complicated and mixed landscape. In some of the EU’s largest and most influential member states, the hard right performed exceptionally well, signaling a shift in Europe’s political tides.
In France, Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National emerged as the largest party in the elections. This unexpected victory prompted President Emmanuel Macron to take drastic action by dissolving the National Assembly and calling for a snap election. It was a reflection of the growing influence of the far right in the country, which has now gained substantial traction among the electorate. Macron’s response also underscored the alarm that Le Pen’s party’s growing strength posed to the traditional political structure.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the hard-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) also made notable strides. The party finished second in the election, surpassing expectations. This was particularly significant because of the extreme nature of the AfD’s politics, so much so that Le Pen’s party recently expelled the AfD from its European Parliament grouping. Despite this internal division among hard-right parties, the AfD’s surge reflected widespread discontent within the electorate, especially in the face of economic and social challenges.
However, while France and Germany saw considerable gains for the hard-right parties, the results elsewhere in Europe were more mixed. In some countries, the far-right wave did not materialize as strongly as anticipated. This indicates that while nationalism and populism have become more entrenched in certain parts of Europe, the political climate is not uniform across the continent. The hard right has made substantial inroads, but its rise has not been as overwhelming in all areas.
The success of the hard right in these two major EU states is emblematic of broader trends across Europe. Rising nationalism, anti-immigration sentiments, and dissatisfaction with the political establishment have fueled the rise of populist parties. These movements have increasingly embraced ideas that were once considered on the fringes of European politics, now gaining mainstream support. The electorate has shown a marked shift toward parties that promise to challenge the status quo, with many voters looking for alternatives to the traditional parties.
As these hard-right ideologies become more mainstream, they are reshaping European politics in significant ways. Parties like Le Pen’s Rassemblement National and the AfD are challenging long-standing political structures, advocating for policies that align with nationalism, stricter immigration laws, and a more skeptical view of European integration. Their rise is not just a political shift, but a reflection of deepening divisions within European society, as voters increasingly feel disconnected from the traditional political elites.
In conclusion, while the hard right may not yet be in full control, it is undeniably influencing the political landscape across Europe. The European Parliament elections have shown that these parties are gaining significant ground, particularly in key member states. As they continue to shape public discourse, the challenge for Europe’s traditional political establishment will be to respond to the growing populist tide while maintaining the unity and values that have long defined the European Union.
