‘Vicious cycle’: how far-right parties across Europe are cannibalising the centre right

Hardline agendas, especially on immigration, are copied by mainstream conservatives in vain effort to win back votes - but it’s not working

Far-right parties could become the largest force on the right in Europe within a decade, experts have said, as mainstream conservative parties look to copy their hardline agendas, especially on immigration, in a vain effort to win back votes.

Germany’s conservatives last week sparked fury when their leader, Friedrich Merz, the country’s likely next chancellor, broke a longstanding pledge by relying on far-right votes to adopt a non-binding motion urging a drastic immigration crackdown. The leader of Alternative für Deutschland, Alice Weidel, hailed “a historic day for Germany” as the Bundestag, for the first time in its history, passed a vote with the backing of her party, which is second in the polls weeks before this month’s elections.

Topics

How Europe Swung to the Right

‘A lot of people simply haven’t been heard for a long time.’
The New York Times - 6d
France Far-Right Party Embraces Jean-Marie Le Pen as a Visionary

For years, the far-right National Rally tried to distance itself from Mr. Le Pen’s racist and antisemitic remarks. But after his death Tuesday, it hailed him as a visionary.
The New York Times - Jan. 8
Austria’s far-right leader to invite centre right for coalition talks

Herbert Kickl’s move could pave way for anti-immigration, pro-Kremlin Freedom party to govern country. The leader of Austria’s anti-immigration, pro-Kremlin Freedom party has said he intends to ...
The Guardian - Jan. 7
Germany's far-right AfD welcomes mandate for Freedom Party of Austria

Yahoo News - Jan. 6
Austria Coalition Talks Collapse, Raising Prospects for Far-Right Freedom Party

The leader of the anti-immigrant Freedom Party of Austria, founded by former Nazis in the 1950s, was expected to be asked to enter into talks to form a new government.
The New York Times - Jan. 6
Austria’s far-right Freedom party tasked with forming coalition government

Austrian president asks anti-migration, pro-Kremlin FPÖ to begin negotiations with conservative ÖVP. Austria’s president has tasked the anti-migration, pro-Kremlin Freedom party (FPÖ) with holding ...
The Guardian - Jan. 6
How Austria’s embrace of the far right could fracture the EU centre

Also in this newsletter: The next EU leaders’ meeting searches for a venue
Financial Times - Jan. 6
Austria’s new centre-right leader open to coalition with far right

Christian Stocker signalled willingness to share power with Freedom party after resignation of Chancellor
Financial Times - Jan. 5
It is misleading to tar all Europe’s ‘new right’ parties with one brush

Some movements are correctly labelled extremist but others have a better claim to democratic credentials
Financial Times - Jan. 5

More from The Guardian

Trump tariffs spark retaliation from Mexico, China and Canada

Mexico and Canada vow levies and to ‘enhance relations’ with each other as China and Canada seek legal challenges. Donald Trump’s imposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China have sparked ...
The Guardian - 51m
Rubio tells Panama to reduce Chinese influence in canal area or face US action

Secretary of state’s visit to Central American state greeted with protests at Trump’s demand to take back the waterway. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has held talks in Panama with its ...
The Guardian - 5h
Grammys 2025: the winners, the losers, the performances – live

This year’s ceremony, with nominations led by Beyoncé, will be a celebration of music and tribute to those affected by LA wildfires. Grammy awards 2025: list of winners Also a banner year of ...
The Guardian - 11m
Netanyahu heads for Trump talks in US amid uncertainty over Gaza truce

Negotiations on second phase of ceasefire likely to be put back until after two leaders meet on Tuesday. Benjamin Netanyahu has flown to Washington for Donald Trump’s first meeting with a foreign ...
The Guardian - 7h
Germans protest against party leader who pushed migration bill backed by far right

Angry rallies in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Leipzig and Munich accuse Friedrich Merz of cooperating with AfD. Tens of thousands of people marched in Germany on Sunday to protest against the decision ...
The Guardian - 6h