Far-right parties are gaining ground across Europe, forcing mainstream politicians to adapt. While some countries resist, others see these groups influencing policies, particularly on immigration.
Europe’s political landscape is shifting as far-right parties gain momentum, forcing mainstream leaders to rethink their strategies.
The AfD is polling at 20%, securing second place ahead of Sunday’s election.
The Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) lead with 27%, while the Social Democrats (SPD) trail at 17%.
Christian Democrat leader Friedrich Merz has toughened his stance on immigration, even leaning on AfD votes to advance a stricter migration bill.
Tensions rose further after U.S. Senator J.D. Vance met with AfD leader Alice Weidel but not with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, prompting accusations of U.S. interference in German politics.
The Freedom Party (FPÖ) won 30.6% in September’s election, aiming to form the country’s first far-right-led government.
Talks collapsed, and new elections now seem likely.
The Sweden Democrats, who took 20.5%, continue to shape migration policies despite not being in government.
In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders’ PVV won 23.6% and holds 5 of 16 cabinet positions, including immigration and asylum policy.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy won 26% in the last election.
Meloni is now widely accepted internationally, a sign of how far-right parties are gaining legitimacy.
The Finns Party secured 20.1% and holds 7 of 19 ministerial positions.
The party has compared immigrants to parasites and seeks to block undocumented migrants from receiving healthcare.
đ How Divided Is Europe’s Far-Right?
Marine Le Pen (France) and Giorgia Meloni (Italy) distance themselves from the AfD, seeing it as too extreme.
But far-right narratives on immigration and security continue to shape mainstream policies.
As far-right parties gain influence, mainstream parties shift rightward to counter their rise.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou acknowledged growing public concerns over migration, which has strengthened Le Pen’s National Rally, now leading in polls ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Some countries have kept the far-right out of power:
Belgium’s Vlaams Belang (22%) was excluded from the ruling coalition.
France’s National Rally is the largest party in parliament but remains out of government.
However, analysts warn these barriers may not last.
With Trump’s tariffs on European goods threatening exports, the continent faces a larger challenge beyond politics. Economic growth remains sluggish, and inflation concerns persist. Regardless of who holds power, the real question is: Can Europe avoid economic stagnation while navigating growing political instability?
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