Across Europe, political dynamics are shifting, greatly influenced by the rhetoric of figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, especially as elections loom. The rising popularity of far-right parties is significantly shaping the continent’s political narrative, and observers are connecting these trends back to Trump’s rhetoric, which has emboldened similar movements abroad.
Take Austria, for example. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) is on the verge of making history by potentially winning the largest share of votes for the first time. Polls indicate the FPÖ has consistently outperformed the ruling Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) throughout the past year. Political analysts attribute this resurgence to increasing anti-immigration sentiments, particularly influenced by the FPÖ's outspoken criticism of migrant policies following the surge of refugees during the last European migration crisis.
Katalin Miklossy, who teaches Eastern European studies at the University of Helsinki, points out the ripple effect stemming from the recent successes of the German far-right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD). It recently became the first party since the Second World War to defeat mainstream parties at the state level, which has seemingly ignited similar sentiments across the border. "Anti-migration sentiment is now rising, empowered by the latest East German elections and the AfD’s success," she affirms. The FPÖ's leader, Herbert Kickl, known for branding himself as the 'Volkskanzler' or 'people’s chancellor', has adopted controversial policies echoing nationalist themes.
Kickl’s approach is worryingly reminiscent of Adolf Hitler's. His party’s manifesto, laden with directives aimed at preserving what they call 'racial homogeneity,' raises alarms among opponents who fear it could lead to socio-political repercussions similar to those seen during the rise of fascism. With their stance on migrants—that those breaking the law should be deported, and asylum applications significantly reduced—the FPÖ aims to drastically reshape Austria’s immigration policy.
Austria’s indifference toward the humanitarian aspects of these policies is alarming. It has openly opposed the EU’s efforts to build solidarity through the new EU Migration Pact, striving instead to mitigate the number of migrants entering Austria, which many see as regressive. Miklossy remarked, “Austria has long been conservative on migration. Their previous refusal to engage with all parts of the EU on asylum cases emphasizes their desire to fortify their borders.”
Critics also regard Austria’s position on the war in Ukraine through the lens of historical neutrality. The FPÖ government has appeared skeptical about financial support for Ukraine, sparking concerns about its long-term political alignment within the broader European framework. Miklossy highlights how this tendency may alter the future of European relations, especially concerning Russia and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the FPÖ isn’t the only example of Trump’s influence on the international stage. The bond between Trump and Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orbán, showcases how right-wing leaders globally are rallying around similar themes of nationalism and immigration control. Their meetings, including one at Mar-a-Lago, encapsulate a shared ideology prioritizing homeland security and anti-globalism. Orbán's endorsement of Trump during the 2016 presidential elections was just the beginning; their ever-growing camaraderie has cultivated enthusiasm for far-right rhetoric across Europe.
“If Trump wins again, you can expect Orbán to be one of the first to cheer,” quips Peter Conradi of The Times. This relationship has sparked fears among European policymakers who worry about the potential resurgence of far-right policies, which threaten to destabilize long-held democratic principles, particularly concerning Ukraine’s independence and the sanctity of European unity.
Seizing on Trump's controversial narratives, far-right activists, like Martin Sellner of the Austrian far-right Generation Identity movement, have capitalized on the shifting discourse. Sellner's advocacy for 'remigration,' involving returning immigrants to their countries of origin, mirrors Trump's rhetoric around immigration. He views Trump's acknowledgment of this concept as vindication for the far right’s views, and he strives to artificially inflame nationalist sentiments across Europe.
During discussions with the Washington Post, Sellner revealed his ambitions of normalizing terms and ideas previously shunned. He points out, “When it began, right-wing activism was something of a skinhead line, and we made it fashionable, like Greenpeace.” With increasing visibility, his ideas are filtering downwards to mainstream nationalist parties, threatening to erode the moderate center ground and engender cynicism around immigration.
Sellner's successful recruitment of young activists speaks to this cultural shift. His gatherings, where young men express their grievances and discontent, provide compelling evidence of the allure of far-right ideologies. Events like the recent youth summit he organized reflected not just the fervor for these ideas, but also the troubling influences they hold within contemporary discourse.
This rising tide of far-right rhetoric, catalyzed by figures like Trump, is not merely rhetorical; it presents tangible risks to societal cohesion and the foundational values of democracy. The potential for extreme nationalist policies to gain traction highlights the battleground of ideas transforming rapidly across Europe. With looming elections approaching, the question remains—will the haunting shadows of history repeat themselves as the far right gains ground? Only time will tell as Europe stands at the crossroads between tradition and its increasingly aggressive nationalist movements.
The stakes couldn't be higher: with elections like Austria's set to shape the future of many nations, leaders and citizens alike hold their breaths to see if the lessons of history have truly been learned or forgotten again.
