There Are Flickers of Hope in Italy and Spain
The European political landscape has seen a dramatic shift, with hard-right parties gaining significant traction in several core EU nations. This rise has coincided with severe setbacks for left and green parties, particularly in countries like Germany, Austria, France, and Greece. The question now is: how did this decline occur, and how can it be reversed?
The rise of the hard right can be explained by a “snowball effect,” a concept described by political sociologist Matthijs Rooduijn. Over the past decade, the influence of hard-right parties has steadily increased, pushing many centre-right parties to adopt their rhetoric and policies, particularly on issues like migration, human rights, and culture wars. These centre-right parties hoped to attract voters by mimicking the hard-right’s stance while also supporting austerity and neoliberal reforms. However, this strategy backfired. Voters, particularly those disillusioned with mainstream politics, turned to the authentic voice of the hard right, propelling its support to unprecedented levels.
Despite these challenges, there are still glimmers of hope for the European left. Countries like Italy and Spain show signs of a counter-response, where progressive forces are pushing back against the hard-right tide, offering alternatives that could potentially shift the political balance in the years to come. The left’s ability to mobilize around issues of inequality, social justice, and the environment will be crucial in this fight.
