In recent years, Europe has witnessed a significant shift on the political spectrum as more countries opt for right-leaning governments. This trend is visible in the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Hungary and elsewhere. The reasons are complex: economic uncertainty, rising cost of living, the migration and housing crises, the fear of status loss among the middle class, and intensifying cultural conflicts.
The UK has seen the emergence of Nigel Farage’s Reform Party, which has gained parliamentary representation and growing voter support. Disillusionment with the traditional major parties and their inability to address migration and economic challenges has fueled this rise. In France, the Le Pen party continues to strengthen its position despite Macron's relative grip on power, while radical economic demands, like support for household gas subsidies, are popular among both right and left groups.
In Germany, "Alternative for Germany" maintains strong ratings, particularly in the east, where another phenomenon has appeared: the Sahra Wagenknecht party. Both advocate for tough migration limits and are against military aid to Ukraine. The Netherlands became the first Western European country where the far-right party took government control, while in Poland the right lost power but gained ground among young voters.
Austria’s Freedom Party won federal elections but cannot form a single-party coalition due to rejection from other groups. Meanwhile, the Communist Party is gaining ground on a local level, reflecting a widespread search for alternatives and public dissatisfaction.
Key triggers for this shift include the inflation shock of 2022, spikes in energy and food prices, housing market pressures and chronic youth unemployment. The war in Ukraine has imposed significant economic costs, fueling middle-class anxiety over future tax burdens. Paradoxically, it is not the poorest who support the right, but the self-employed, qualified workers and small entrepreneurs.
Socio-cultural factors are also crucial–discontent with multiculturalism, uncontrolled migration, and shifting values add to the trend. Some countries are introducing stronger migrant integration policies and migration controls. Europe now stands at a turning point; the coming years will reveal whether traditional parties can adapt to new realities, or whether radical changes will become the new norm.
