Despite recent setbacks in countries like Poland, the far-right is experiencing a surge in Europe, with projections suggesting that they will perform better in the upcoming European elections in June compared to 2019. The overall trend indicates that the ultra-right, which is diverse and disunited, will obtain more than 180 out of 720 seats in the European Parliament.
The increased presence of extreme right parties in the European Parliament could have a significant impact on key issues such as immigration policies, green transition, enlargement towards the east, and foreign policy challenges like Ukraine’s defense against Russian invasion and Israel’s conflict with Hamas. However, it’s important to note that far-right parties within Europe have considerable differences among themselves on various political agendas.
Differences can be seen in their positions on issues such as relations with Russia, rights and status of women in society, fiscal matters, and social policies. While some parties are in favor of stricter positions towards Russia and conservative stances on social issues, others have more moderate approaches. These differences make it challenging for a cohesive far-right group to form in the European Parliament.
Despite common elements like nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment, far-right parties within Europe adapt their policies based on societal issues and values in their respective countries. Some emphasize ultra-liberalism while others focus on social protection. Adherence to democratic values also varies among these parties, with some being criticized for actions harmful to democracy.
Overall, the far-right landscape in Europe is complex and multifaceted, with parties having both shared and divergent views and policies.