The rise of right-wing political parties can be seen in the recent elections across Europe. There are now 7 major countries in Europe that have far-righT parties in their government: Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, and Slovakia. In addition, in Germany, a far-right party known as the AFD (Alternative for Germany) came in second in the country’s national election, while a conservative party won the vote.
The main indicator that right-wing political parties have influenced the rise of conservatism is apparent in the 2015 Polish elections. In that election, Law and Justice, a right-wing party, won the election with 38% of the vote, and since then its influence has grown, with only 5 of the 27 EU member states now under socialist-led governments. Junior Alex Cruz says, “It’s scary, scary.”
The rise of right-wing political parties has fueled conservatism and driven political reform across Europe. Leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orban have used right-wing populism, promoting themselves as “defender(s) of national sovereignty” and have created “A fear of immigration and economic uncertainty” that has gained traction for conservatism in Europe. The way that right-wing political parties have influenced the rise of conservatism is through legitimacy. To find out how a party can influence an ideal, one has to focus on the way that a party gained its legitimacy, or its pull factors as to why someone may vote for the party or person. Viktor Orban has been in power for 14 years. No serving leader in the EU has led their country for a longer period. In 2010, Fidesz, a Hungarian national-conservative political party, led by Victor Orban achieved a ⅔ majority in the parliament, enabling a supermajority. By using anti-immigration rhetoric and right-wing populism, FIDESZ was able to adopt a new Hungarian constitution. In addition, the party became Eurosceptic, meaning they opposed deeper EU integration. Sophomore Finn Guibert believes it is great and will benefit Europe.
In conclusion, Europe is entering a new era of leadership, one that excites its citizens for a new era. People all around the world will be tuned in to the change in Europe and what it will mean for the rest of the world.