Surge of Right-Wing Populism in Europe’s Major Economies

For the first time, populist and far-right parties are leading opinion polls in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, indicating a significant shift in voter sentiment across Europe’s largest economies. This trend reflects growing discontent among voters, driven by high immigration rates and inflationary pressures that have persisted since the pandemic. The rise of these parties could lead to political turbulence, even though national elections may still be years away.

Wall Street JournalPopulist right wing parties lead polls in Europe’s biggest economiesDaily WirePopulist surge across Europe as immigration and costs bite

In France, the National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, has consistently topped polls, with recent surveys suggesting it could dominate the first round of upcoming elections. The party has capitalized on concerns regarding the Muslim minority's influence on French secular values and the perceived decline in living standards. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained traction, recently surpassing the ruling Christian Democratic Union in polls, amid a backdrop of rising immigration and economic stagnation. Meanwhile, in the U.K., Nigel Farage's Reform UK has surged ahead of the Labour Party, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with traditional political elites.

Daily Wire

The simultaneous rise of right-wing parties in these countries can be attributed to several interrelated factors. High levels of immigration have led to fears among voters regarding cultural integration and economic stability. In Germany, the foreign-born population has increased from 15% in 2017 to 22% in 2024. The U.K. has also experienced a record influx of immigrants, with 4.5 million arrivals between 2021 and 2024. Additionally, inflation and economic stagnation have exacerbated feelings of disenfranchisement among working-class voters, who feel overlooked by mainstream parties.

Wall Street Journal

Critics argue that the rise of far-right parties poses a threat to democratic values and social cohesion. Some commentators warn that labeling these parties as fascist can alienate potential voters and stifle necessary political discourse. This framing, they argue, oversimplifies complex political dynamics and risks pushing moderate voices further to the fringe. Furthermore, there are concerns that the policies advocated by these parties could lead to increased polarization and hostility towards minority communities.

The ones who cry fascist

In response to the rising popularity of right-wing parties, mainstream political figures have called for reforms to address voter concerns. For instance, Labour leader Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for electoral reform to prevent populist parties from gaining unchecked power. Meanwhile, European leaders have been urged to engage in open debates about immigration and economic policies to restore public trust in traditional political institutions.

The Guardian

As Europe approaches a series of elections, the implications of this populist surge are profound. The upcoming parliamentary election in Norway on September 8, 2025, is particularly noteworthy, as the far-right Progress Party is poised to gain significant ground. The outcomes in these elections could reshape the political landscape across Europe, potentially leading to more right-wing coalitions and a reevaluation of immigration and economic policies.

The Straits Times

• “France’s anti-immigration National Rally has had a consistent lead in polls this year.” — Jérémie Gallon, Former French Diplomat

Populist right wing parties lead polls in Europe’s biggest economies

• “The party always plays on the fact that [the number of] immigrants is growing, that immigrants are a threat to the welfare state,” — Badreddine Maizi, Islamic Council of Norway Deputy Head

Why the upcoming Norwegian election matters

• “Voters are seeing a lot of action but they’re not feeling any effect,” — Manfred Güllner, Head of Forsa

Populist right wing parties lead polls in Europe’s biggest economies

This surge of right-wing populism across Europe’s major economies signals a critical juncture in the continent's political trajectory, with potential ramifications for both domestic and international policies.

Wall Street Journal