Fear, Insecurity, and the Rise of Far-Right Movements in Europe

The rise of far-right movements across Europe is often attributed to economic hardship and authoritarian personalities. However, research suggests that it's not the experience of poverty itself but rather the perception of decline and loss of status that fuels support for these ideologies.

A study found that in the years following a financial crisis, the far-right vote share rises by around 30%. The European Union experienced a decade of stagnation and decline after austerity measures were implemented. Then came the pandemic, which exacerbated an unprecedented inflationary crisis, leading to a sharp decline in real wages across the Eurozone.

The far right capitalized on this sense of fear and insecurity by blaming migrants for driving down wages and draining the state. Mainstream parties failed to contest this narrative, instead adopting similar rhetoric to appease their voters. This has been shown to strengthen the radical right rather than neutralize it.

Economist Isabella Weber argues that defeating the far right requires developing policies that center affordability, rather than abstract notions of economic growth or efficiency. She advocates for strategic price controls and a broader democratization of the economy to tackle corporate power and place the needs of ordinary people at the forefront of policymaking.