French far right leader Marine Le Pen celebrates with newly elected leader of the National Rally president Jordan Bardella during the party congress in Paris, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. Jordan Bardella is the first party chief outside the Le Pen family in a half-century. (AP Photo/Lewis Joly)
Image Credit: AP
Recently, it has dealt the centrist coalition led by President Emmanuel Macron with a stunning rebuke, having secured 31.5 per cent of the vote in the European elections (held on June 8-9, 2024), thus marking the first time a French party has exceeded 30 per cent in such elections since 1984.
This result is more than double that of Macron’s Renaissance party, which garnered only 15.2 per cent. The surprising outcome has led to the French leader dissolving the French parliament – and calling for snap legislative elections to be held on June 30, 2024.
Amid the surge of right-wing populists in France, this move is seen as a high-stakes gamble for centrists.
Italy
Previously known as “Northern League”, led by Matteo Salvini, Lega has been part of several coalition governments.
It has gained influence in shaping government policies. Additionally, Lega’s strong stance on immigration, national identity, sovereignty, security, protectionism, tax reform, crime reduction, social conservatism, Euro-scepticism continue to resonate with many Italian voters.
Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia):
Led by Giorgia Meloni (Italian Prime Minister of Italy since October 2022, above), Fratelli d’Italia mirrors the core Lega agenda.
It promotes enhanced border security and family values, support for domestic industries, crime reduction and public safety, tax cuts and fiscal responsibility, and national pride – allowing it to grow in popularity and is now a significant player in Italian politics.
Germany
Alternative for Germany (Alternative für Deutschland, AfD):
The AfD has gained seats in the Bundestag and several state parliaments, becoming a prominent voice on the right. The AfD party has seen a significant rise in popularity, particularly in the eastern regions. The party has seen a steady increase in support, now polling at around 18 per cent nationally, up from 10 per cent last year.
Image Credit: Reuters
This surge is especially notable in the eastern states like Brandenburg, Saxony, and Thuringia, where it leads in polls. In the recent European elections, the AfD performed strongly, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the current government. This has spurred discussions about the potential for snap elections, although none have been scheduled yet.
Austria
Freedom Party of Austria (Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs, FPÖ):
The FPÖ is a significant political force in Austria. The party pushes for lower taxes, pension reforms, and increased support for families. The FPÖ has been vocal about its Eurosceptic positions, too, advocating for reforms within the EU to return more powers to member states.
Supporters of Heinz-Christian Strache, leader of the Austria’s Freedom Party.
Image Credit: File
In the 2017 General Election, the FPÖ won 26 per cent of the vote. This success led to a coalition government with the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), with FPÖ leader Heinz-Christian Strache serving as Vice-Chancellor.
During its time in government (2017-2019), the FPÖ pushed for stricter immigration policies and measures to enhance national security, aligning with its hardline stance on these issues.
Despite the 2019 Ibiza scandal, which led to the collapse of the coalition government, the FPO has managed to recover, maintaining a stable voter base and continuing to be a significant force in Austrian politics.
The Netherlands
Party for Freedom (Partij voor de Vrijheid, PVV):
Led by Geert Wilders, the PVV is known for its strong stance on immigration and Euroscepticism.
Leader of the Party for Freedom (PVV) Geert Wilders speaks to the press after a meeting with Speaker of the House at the House of Representatives in The Hague, on November 24, 2023.
Image Credit: AFP
Switzerland
Swiss People’s Party (Schweizerische Volkspartei, SVP):
The SVP is the largest party in the Swiss Federal Assembly and is known for its conservative and anti-immigration policies.
Hungary
Fidesz – Hungarian Civic Alliance:
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Fidesz has dominated Hungarian politics for over a decade, known for its nationalist and conservative policies.
Initially known for its far-right stance, Jobbik has moderated its position in recent years but remains a significant political player.
Poland
Polish Law and Justice (PiS) leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski (centre) attends the first session of the new Polish Parliament on November 12, 2019 in Warsaw.
Image Credit: AFP
Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, PiS):
The ruling party in Poland, PiS is known for its conservative, nationalist, and Eurosceptic positions. Jaroslaw Kaczynski is the co-founder and long-time leader of PiS.
Known for his conservative views and strong influence over Polish politics, Kaczynski has been instrumental in shaping the party’s policies on judicial reforms, media control, and immigration. Although he does not hold a government office currently, his influence remains significant within the party and the government.
Slovakia
People’s Party Our Slovakia (Ľudová strana Naše Slovensko, LSNS):
Known for its far-right positions, LSNS has gained seats in the Slovak National Council. Marian Kotleba leads LSNS, a dominant faction party known as Kotlebists – People’s Party Our Slovakia (Kotlebovci – Ľudová strana Naše Slovensko, LSNS).
Kotleba has been a controversial figure in Slovak politics due to his extremist views and far-right ideology. He has a history of promoting nationalist, xenophobic, and anti-Roma rhetoric.
LSNS, has been known for its anti-immigrant, anti-EU, and nationalist positions. Kotleba has faced several legal challenges, including charges related to the promotion of extremism. In 2020, he was sentenced to prison for displaying symbols associated with the wartime Slovak fascist state, although he has appealed the verdict.
Bulgaria
IMRO – Bulgarian National Movement (VMRO – Bălgarsko Natsionalno Dvizhenie):
A nationalist party that has been part of coalition governments in Bulgaria, VMRO promotes Bulgarian cultural identity and sovereignty. The head of this party is Krasimir Karakachanov, known for its nationalist, conservative, and anti-immigrant positions.
VMRO had previously been part of the government coalition with GERB, holding significant influence, particularly with Krasimir Karakachanov serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence from 2017 to 2021.
Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna, SD):
The SD has become a significant force in Swedish politics, advocating for strict immigration policies and nationalism. In
Jimmie Akesson, leader of the Sweden Democrat party, reacts during the party’s election night event in Stockholm, Sweden, on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.
Image Credit: Bloomberg
In the 2022 Swedish general elections, the SD under the leadership of Jimmie Akesson made significant gains. They secured 20.5 per cent of the vote, making them the second-largest party in the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag). This marked an increase from the 17.5 per cent they achieved in the 2018 elections.
The strong 2022 performance has increased their influence in Swedish politics. Although they are not part of the government, their support is crucial for the center-right coalition to pass legislation, giving them substantial leverage.
Finland
Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset):
Known for its nationalist and anti-immigration stance, the Finns Party has been part of the government coalition in Finland.
Spain
Vox:
A relatively new party, Vox has gained rapid support with its strong stance on national unity, immigration, and opposition to separatist movements.
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Publish date : 2024-06-20 03:01:12
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