The Heat: Far Right Growing in Europe

The Heat

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The far-right is making gains in Europe and becoming more mainstream. 

All across Europe, from Sweden to Greece, far-right parties are gaining strength and winning seats in parliaments. In Italy, Giorgia Meloni, became western Europe’s first far-right prime minister since World War II, when she was elected last year.  

Germany’s far-right, Alternative fur Deutschland, just had a big victory in district elections and is surging in the polls. 

In France, Marine Le Pen and her party, which takes a hard line on immigration, look poised to make further political gains after the recent riots in Paris. And, an upcoming election in Spain could see the hard-right Vox party enter parliament there.  

What is the appeal of the far-right and what could it mean for the future of the EU with elections for the European Parliament next year?  

Joining the discussion: 

  • Joav Toker is an associate professor with the American Graduate School of International Affairs and Diplomacy in Paris. 
  • Dimitrios Soultogiannis is a journalist and correspondent for Star TV Greece. 
  • Klaus Larres is a professor of history and international affairs at the University of North Carolina.
  • Renaud Foucart is a senior lecturer in economics at Lancaster University.