Notes on Lecture: Politics in Europe and the Rise of the Far Right

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Current Political Climate in Europe

• Concern over Far-Right Growth:

  • Increasing fascism in multiple European countries, notably France.
  • National Rally (RN) led by Le Pen has gained significant electoral power.
  • RN received 10 million votes, surpassing both left and center-right parties (7 million each).

• Coalition Dynamics:

  • RN forms coalitions, unlike the loosely aligned left.
  • Potential for the Socialists to abandon coalition partners.

Recent Electoral Results

• EU Parliament Elections:
  • RN emerged first with about 31% of the vote.
  • Other far-right parties gaining ground in Italy, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.

Implications of Far-Right Gains

• Impact on the EU:

  • Deterioration of policies related to immigration and climate change.
  • Increasing acceptance of far-right positions by centrist politicians.
  • Mention of the EU's migration pact similar to U.S. policies.

• Anti-Immigrant Violence:

  • Reports of riots and attacks against immigrants in the UK.
  • Connection between far-right rhetoric and actual violence against perceived foreigners.

Misconceptions about Immigration

• Immigration is beneficial:
  • Studies show immigration boosts wages and employment for native workers.
  • Immigrants contribute positively to society and commit fewer crimes than native populations.

Far-Right Political Agenda

• Characteristics of Far-Right Policies:

  • Weakened climate action and increased military spending.
  • Cuts to healthcare and social services.
  • Targeting of LGBT rights and restrictions on immigration.

• Patriots for Europe:

  • New far-right group in EU Parliament.
  • Their rhetoric and policies reflect broader far-right ideologies.

Understanding Fascism

• Definition and Characteristics:

  • Various definitions exist; common themes include:
    1. National decline and a belief in superiority over outsiders.
    2. Desire to restore perceived lost status.
    3. Use of violence and exclusionary politics to achieve goals.

• Historical Context:

  • Fascism evolves; roots lie in economic anxieties and social chaos.
  • Connection between neoliberalism and the rise of ultra-nationalism.

The Role of Neoliberalism

• Economic policies from the 1980s and '90s led to:
  • Increased inequality and societal fragmentation.
  • Lack of solidarity among workers.
  • Growth of fascist ideologies amidst declining social safety nets.

Political Strategies and Choices

• Centrist politicians have normalized far-right rhetoric.
• Example: Macron's policies aligning with far-right positions over the years.

Potential Paths Forward

• Left’s Response:

  • Importance of solidarity within left factions and with marginalized groups.
  • Success in elections through anti-austerity and pro-social welfare policies.

• Historical Warning:

  • Past peaks of Nazi support (e.g., 37% in 1932) as a warning sign for current trends.

Conclusion

• Future uncertain:
  • Will fear of socialist politics push society toward fascism?
  • Or will a strong left response break the cycle of fascism?

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