Key facts
- Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured its first state election victory in Saxony-Anhalt.
- The AfD's win has amplified concerns about a growing far-right movement across Europe.
- Far-right parties have recently joined governments in Finland, Croatia, and Slovakia.
- Populist parties saw significant gains in the 2024 European Union parliament elections.
- Notable setbacks for the far-right include Viktor Orbán's election loss in Hungary and Geert Wilders' departure from a Dutch coalition.
- In Spain, the Vox party has formed governing agreements with the center-right Popular Party in regional elections.
The first state election victory for Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) has intensified concerns about a rising far-right across Europe, as voters express discontent over various crises. While parties with anti-immigrant and pro-Russian stances have made gains in several countries, including Italy, Finland, Croatia, and Slovakia, the overall trend is not uniformly ascendant.
Populist parties achieved significant success in the 2024 European Union parliament elections, leading to increased coordination between the center-right European People's Party and the far-right. However, the far-right has also faced notable setbacks. In Hungary, Viktor Orbán lost a landslide election, and in the Netherlands, Geert Wilders left a coalition due to disagreements over immigration policies.
The UK's Reform party, led by Nigel Farage, has grown in influence, though it has recently experienced electoral reverses. Experts suggest that while these parties are not invincible, their presence in government can lead to significant policy shifts.
Upcoming elections in France and Spain present further opportunities for the far-right. In Spain, the Vox party has formed regional governing agreements, while in France, Marine Le Pen is a leading contender to become president. Political figures have warned that the AfD's success is a signal of a growing far-right threat that requires urgent attention.