2024 sees major growth for right-wing parties: What’s behind the shift?
The year 2024 marked a significant moment in the global political landscape, with a noticeable surge in the influence of right-wing political forces. Kazinform News Agency invites readers to explore the factors driving this shift.
In 2024, several countries witnessed a significant rise in the popularity of right-wing views, as reflected in the results of elections. In June 2024, European Union countries held elections for the European Parliament, which were marked by a notable increase in the influence of right-wing and far-right parties. Far-right parties garnered nearly a quarter of the votes across the EU, despite the continued dominance of centrist parties in Brussels. For example, the far-right National Rally party in France secured 31% of the vote in the European Parliament elections, surpassing President Emmanuel Macron’s party, Renaissance.
In Italy, right-wing and far-right parties also strengthened their positions in the European Parliament elections. The Brothers of Italy party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, won 24 seats in the European Parliament, increasing its representation. Nearly 29% of voters supported this party.
In Germany, the far-right party Alternative for Germany achieved significant success in elections, first in the European Parliament and then at the regional level, becoming the first far-right party to win a state election since World War II.
In September, during Austria’s national elections, the far-right Freedom Party secured 29% of the vote, the highest support among all parties and its best result in history. However, the likelihood of the party joining the ruling coalition remains low. While Austria’s far-right parties have been part of ruling coalitions in the past, none have ever become the largest party in the country.
In Romania, on December 1, three far-right parties showed strong results in the parliamentary elections. The far-right "Alliance for the Union of Romanians" placed second, securing 18% of the vote, while other far-right parties, "S.O.S Romania" and the "Party of Young People," placed fifth and sixth and garnered 7.6% and 6.3%, respectively.
Outside of Europe, this trend also persisted. In the United States, Donald Trump won the presidential election, strengthening isolationist rhetoric and focusing on the "America First" policy. His campaign centered on conservative values, emphasizing nationalism, protectionism, and restricting immigration. Republicans secured enough seats to control the U.S. House of Representatives.
Several key reasons can be identified for the rise of right-wing views:
Migration policy
One of the main reasons for the popularity of right-wing parties is the migration crisis. The increase in the number of migrants, especially in Europe, has raised concerns among locals about the pressure on social services, changes to the cultural makeup of society, and security. Far-right parties, such as the National Rally in France and Alternative for Germany, have actively used these issues in their campaigns, proposing stricter border controls and tougher migration laws.
Economic challenges
Many countries have faced the consequences of inflation, economic instability, and social inequality, leading to growing dissatisfaction among voters. Right-wing parties often offer protectionist measures, focusing on supporting national economies and protecting jobs from the effects of globalization. For many voters, this has become a more appealing choice compared to the promises made by traditional centrist parties.
Protest voting
Social discontent and growing polarization have been key factors contributing to the rise of right-wing views in 2024. Amidst distrust towards traditional parties and political elites, right-wing movements have successfully positioned themselves as an alternative force, presenting themselves as the "voice of the people." This dissatisfaction is particularly noticeable in countries where political stagnation or economic problems have become sources of widespread frustration.
In many countries, the success of right-wing parties in 2024 was a result of protest voting. Voters dissatisfied with the status quo cast their ballots for right-wing parties not so much because they agreed with their radical programs, but because they wanted to express their opposition to the existing order. This phenomenon was especially prominent in Europe, where voters, unhappy with centrist policies, chose right-wing parties, seeing them as a means to disrupt the established system.
Protection of national identity
The acceleration of globalization and changes in cultural landscapes have raised concerns about the loss of national identity. Right-wing parties have capitalized on these fears, focusing on the defense of "traditional values" and cultural heritage.
Social media and media environment
The success of right-wing movements can also be attributed to their effective use of social media and digital platforms to promote their ideas. Social networks allow right-wing parties to quickly spread their messages and mobilize voters.
Social media algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, which means content that triggers strong emotions is prioritized. Posts filled with anger, fear, or excitement are more likely to be liked, commented on, and shared, thus increasing their reach. This enables populist movements to effectively use such platforms to promote their ideas.
The effectiveness lies in the dominance of short-form content on social media. Users decide whether to engage or scroll past in just seconds. Memes, short videos, and posts with striking headlines often simplify complex issues into emotional triggers. In this environment, populist rhetoric—focused on polarization and emotional appeals—proves particularly effective. This format allows for the rapid and widespread dissemination of anti-immigration, anti-globalization, and nationalist ideas.
Right-wing movements have actively used social media to create an image of the "enemy." Often, the enemy is portrayed as immigrants, minorities, international organizations, or "corrupt elites." Through posts and videos, they position themselves as the "true representatives of the people," contrasting themselves with existing governments. This approach resonates with citizens dissatisfied with the status quo, strengthening their support for right-wing parties.
Global crises
The COVID-19 pandemic, energy crises, and ongoing global crises have also contributed to the rise in popularity of right-wing ideas. These events have fueled isolationist sentiments, criticism of international organizations, and a focus on national interests. For example, in the United States, Donald Trump's return to power became a symbol of this trend, emphasizing the "America First" policy.
Earlier Kazinform News Agency explored what kind of policy Donald Trump will choose toward Central Asia.
