The Rise of Right-Wing Populist Movements in Europe

London — From the panoramic view atop Millbank Tower, the proximity of the U.K. Houses of Parliament is striking, a testament to the historical significance of the area. Historically, this building was the headquarters of Britain’s Conservative Party, one of the planet’s oldest political entities. Today, it houses Reform UK, a right-wing populist party helmed by Nigel Farage aimed at overtaking the Conservatives as the leading force on Britain’s right.

This change marks a broader political upheaval across major European democracies. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in France has eclipsed much of the traditional right ahead of next year’s presidential election. Similarly, Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) has achieved historic electoral success, posing a formidable challenge to the Christian Democrats. Italy, Spain, Sweden, and other countries are experiencing similar shifts.

The larger issue is a political realignment, focusing on identity and nationalism, not the economy, as main debate axes.

This sentiment reflects frustration with existing political and economic frameworks. Concerns highlighted by Steve Baker, a former British Conservative minister, cited President Trump’s election as indicative of this trend. The European Commission anticipates subdued EU economic growth of 1.1% in 2026, down from 1.5% in 2025, foregrounding this dissatisfaction.

Britain’s Political Landscape

The Conservative Party faces existential threats following its electoral defeat in 2024, ending a 14-year tenure in power. Farage’s Reform UK channels public anger over immigration, criticizing Conservative governments for failing to curtail immigrant arrivals, as net migration hit nearly a million.

Research shows a growing interest in ethnicity-based citizenship definitions. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, of Nigerian descent, rebuts claims that British identity hinges solely on ancestry. She challenges assertions from Reform UK’s Suella Braverman, who considers Englishness an ethnicity.

Polls suggest Reform UK’s support fell from 28% to 22%, mired in controversies and financial issues. Meanwhile, Restore Britain, backed by Elon Musk, appeals to voters dissatisfied with Reform UK’s stance on immigration and identity.

Germany’s Political Firewall

Germany’s historical context complicates right-wing political movements. Germany’s political firewall against far-right extremists, preventing partnerships with extremist-rhetoric companies, remains in place. The AfD, branded extremist by authorities, pushes remigration, calling for lawful foreigner repatriation without affecting German citizens.

The AfD’s electoral gains challenge the firewall. It won 43.8% in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, highlighting unification resentment and economic inequality. Dissatisfaction with Germany’s handling of the European migration crisis has bolstered the AfD’s support, winning 32% in east states and 18% in western Germany in the 2025 elections, becoming the country’s second-largest party.

AfD calls for rigorous border controls and migration caps are now mainstream discussions. In 2025, Merkel criticized Chancellor Merz for supporting stricter immigration controls, noting a major backlash.

France’s Political Transformation

Marine Le Pen embodies the reshaping of Europe’s right wing. Surveys show she would receive between 31% and 36% of first-round votes, leading rivals by significant margins. Over the years, Le Pen distanced her party from its previous extremist reputation, repositioning National Rally as capable of governing France.

French essayist Stéphane Azihari notes Le Pen’s success in filling voids left by disappointed voters on immigration and security. A poll indicated 77% of National Rally voters consider immigration pivotal, with fears of non-European migration being central. Concerns over Islamist terrorism have normalized National Rally‘s positions.

President Emmanuel Macron adopted more restrictive measures, yet National Rally’s influence persists. Established parties across Europe face whether to embrace tough immigration positions and cooperate with populists, risking voter loss.

Europe’s political scene shows a quarter of voters supporting far-right parties. If these parties fail to govern, their influence is evident, raising questions about the extent to which they will sway other political entities.