Across Europe, nationalist and right-wing parties have gained significant ground in recent elections, signaling a marked shift in the continent’s political landscape. The trend reflects widespread voter concern over issues such as migration, economic policy, and national identity, challenging the dominance of traditional center-left and center-right parties.
In Germany, the recent regional elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern marked a notable setback for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The party, led nationally by Friedrich Merz and once headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel—who hails from the same region—secured only 4.9% of the vote, failing to surpass the threshold required to enter the regional parliament. The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerged as the leading party, benefiting from voter dissatisfaction with established parties. While often characterized as extremist, the AfD supports asylum for war refugees and advocates for controlled skilled migration, but calls for a strict crackdown on illegal immigration and the immediate deportation of failed asylum seekers and criminals. The party also seeks reform of the European Union’s free movement rules, aiming to curtail migration from Eastern Europe.
Similar rightward shifts have been observed in other European nations. In France, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, is currently leading polls ahead of the upcoming presidential election, pending her eligibility to run. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, associated with the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, continues to maintain popularity by promoting economic growth and reducing illegal migration, despite criticisms of past associations. The Netherlands’ Freedom Party, further to the right than most mainstream parties, is now the largest faction in parliament.
Other countries reflect comparable dynamics. Austria’s populist Freedom Party, which won the 2024 general election, remains a leading force alongside a centrist coalition. Slovakia’s parliament is dominated by a pro-Russian, Eurosceptic coalition emphasizing Christian values. Croatia’s governing coalition includes the nationalist Homeland Movement, and Cyprus has seen a rise in the far-right National Popular Front, particularly on immigration issues. Portugal’s Chega party, appealing to younger voters, calls for cuts to migrant welfare. Additionally, right-wing parties have gained prominence in nations including Estonia, Romania, Slovenia, Belgium, Finland, Czechia, and Poland, often pushing strict immigration policies and nationalist rhetoric.
Sweden, once known for its liberal migration stance, has adopted one of Europe’s toughest approaches, including deportations affecting long-term UK residents. Spain remains an outlier, where the socialist government recently offered an amnesty to over one million undocumented migrants, prompting concerns from neighboring countries about the Schengen Zone’s open-border agreement.
The political establishment across many European countries has responded to this surge in right-wing support with varying strategies. In Germany, the CDU maintains power through a grand coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), a rare alliance intended to keep the AfD out of government. Efforts to ban the AfD on constitutional grounds have been pursued by groups linked to the Green Party, though such moves risk alienating a substantial voter base.
Observers note that decades of centrist dominance and attempts to constrain political discourse within narrow boundaries have left many voters feeling unheard. Merkel’s “Willkommenskultur” migration policy, which opened Germany’s borders to large numbers of migrants in 2015, drew significant criticism for its strain on social welfare systems and public services. Despite Merz’s opposition to Merkel’s approach, the traditional parties are increasingly challenged by the growing popularity of parties that emphasize nationalist priorities and immigration restrictions.
The political realignment across Europe underscores a complex and evolving debate over migration, sovereignty, and economic policy, suggesting that the continent is entering a new phase of ideological contestation.