Europe’s Far-Right Surge Tests Democratic Resilience

Europe’s Far-Right Surge Tests Democratic Resilience

Across Europe, far-right movements are reshaping politics once again. From France’s National Rally and Germany’s AfD to Italy’s Brothers of Italy, populist parties have moved from the fringes to the mainstream, capitalizing on voter slot777 daftar frustration over migration, economic stagnation, and identity politics.

In June 2025’s European Parliament elections, nationalist parties gained record seats, shaking centrist coalitions in Brussels. Marine Le Pen’s bloc emerged as a dominant force in France, while Giorgia Meloni’s leadership continues to steer Italy toward conservative populism within the EU framework.

Analysts see this not as a temporary protest but a structural shift. Economic inequality, post-pandemic fatigue, and distrust of elites have eroded traditional party loyalties. Social media amplifies anti-immigration sentiment and conspiracy narratives, fueling polarization across generations.

The European Union now faces a dilemma: how to defend liberal values while respecting electoral legitimacy. Some policymakers advocate tougher enforcement against hate speech and disinformation, while others warn that suppression could backfire, strengthening populist claims of censorship.

Political scientists note that Europe’s far-right no longer seeks to overthrow democracy but to redefine it along nationalist lines. This “illiberal democracy” model mirrors trends in Hungary and Poland, where governments use majoritarian power to weaken judicial independence.

The next few years may determine whether Europe can reconcile diversity and unity — or whether its democratic core fractures under the weight of rising populism.

By john

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