Hell-bent on power, far-right groups shift away from Euroscepticism.
The far-right in Europe is undergoing a significant shift. In recent years, many parties have abandoned their traditional Euroscepticism and instead embraced a more nationalistic and populist agenda.
Underlying Factors for the Pivot
- Economic concerns: The 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent austerity measures led to widespread economic hardship. Far-right parties exploited these fears, blaming the EU for the crisis and offering protectionist policies.
- Immigration: The arrival of large numbers of migrants and refugees in recent years has fueled fear and resentment among some voters. Far-right parties have capitalized on these concerns, claiming that the EU is unable to control immigration and protect national borders.
- Nationalism: Far-right parties have always promoted national pride and identity. However, in recent years, they have become more explicitly anti-immigrant and anti-EU, seeking to appeal to voters who feel that their national identity is threatened.
Consequences of the Pivot
The far-right’s abandonment of Euroscepticism has had several consequences:
- Increased polarization: The shift to a more radical stance has further alienated far-right parties from the mainstream. This has created a deeper divide within European politics and made it more difficult to form stable governments.
- Erosion of democracy: Some far-right parties have been linked to authoritarian tendencies and anti-democratic rhetoric. The abandonment of Euroscepticism has allowed these parties to present themselves as defenders of national sovereignty, while undermining the democratic principles of the EU.
- Challenges for the EU: The far-right’s pivot poses a significant challenge to the EU. The EU is based on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The rise of far-right parties that challenge these principles undermines the EU’s legitimacy and threatens its future.
Conclusion
The far-right’s abandonment of Euroscepticism is a significant development for European politics. It has led to increased polarization, the erosion of democracy, and challenges for the EU. It is essential for mainstream political forces to address the concerns that have fueled the rise of the far-right, and to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights.
The future of Europe depends on its ability to find a balance between national identity and European cooperation, and to address the concerns of its citizens without resorting to extremism.
Kind regards,
E. Thompson