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The imminent European Union elections, scheduled for June 6 and 9, 2024, not only represent a crucial event for democracy in the old continent, but also demonstrate a worrying trend: the growing rise of the radical right. This phenomenon, present in various ways in the member countries, raises questions about its origin and historical roots.
In the complex political fabric of the European Union, the radical right has found a favorable space for its consolidation, permeating not only in governments officially led by this current (Italy and Hungary), but also collaborating closely with the mainstream right in the formulation and execution of public policies. This phenomenon reveals a calculated and deliberate strategy, characterized by the adoption of discourses and measures that reflect radical ideologies, which underlines the inherent complexity of the European political landscape.
This fusion between the radical right and the mainstream right constitutes a phenomenon of significant relevance in the political dynamics of the European Union. On the one hand, it demonstrates the capacity for adaptation and flexibility of both political currents to ensure their relevance and continuity in a context marked by ideological diversity and socioeconomic challenges. On the other hand, it raises questions about the long-term implications of this strategic collaboration on the stability and cohesion of the European project.
Likewise, this strategic rapprochement between the radical right and the mainstream right reflects a complex dynamic of political competition and cooperation within the European ideological spectrum. Although both currents share some common objectives and concerns, such as immigration management and national security, their political differences can generate tensions and potential conflicts in Europe’s political future.
For its part, the rise of the radical right does not arise in isolation, but is intrinsically linked to a political and social context marked by various economic, migratory and social crises that cross the European continent. The deepening of economic gaps, the perception of an insufficient response by the authorities to the demands of citizens and the increase in fear and xenophobia are fundamental factors that fuel the advance of this political trend.
In this sense, the increasingly pronounced economic inequality between different social strata contributes to the widespread perception of injustice and exclusion, generating fertile ground for the emergence of radical political discourses. The perceived inability of governments to effectively address the concerns and needs of the population amplifies the sense of alienation and discontent, fueling the breeding ground for adherence to radical ideologies.
On the other hand, the emergence of migration crises in Europe has exacerbated social and political tensions, stoking the feeling of fear towards the unknown and encouraging the construction of narratives based on the identification of the migrant as a threat to the stability and security of society. . This dynamic of exacerbating fear and xenophobia has been taken advantage of by the radical right to capitalize on the population’s unrest and uncertainty, consolidating their support base and legitimizing their political proposals.
Needless to say, the ideology advocated by radical right parties is built on principles of exclusion and exaltation of nationalism, instrumentalizing the discourse around the migratory crisis as a rhetorical resource to divert attention from the structural roots of the economic and social challenges. . This narrative, based on the representation of the migrant as a foreign and disruptive agent, deliberately hides the complex underlying socioeconomic interactions, promoting a simplified and polarized vision of reality.
Consequently, the discursive strategy of the radical right not only contributes to the marginalization and stigmatization of migrants, but also hinders a deep understanding of the social and economic dynamics underlying contemporary crises. By establishing the migrant as a scapegoat, attention is diverted from the true causes of the difficulties, promoting a Manichean and simplistic vision of the structural problems facing society.
Ultimately, this narrative of exclusion and exacerbated nationalism not only affects the polarization of public debate, but also fuels a climate of hostility and distrust towards migrant populations. The construction of a dichotomous reality, where the migrant is presented as an existential threat, undermines efforts to build an inclusive and diverse society, eroding the fundamental principles of solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
Finally, the responsibility falls on governments and European institutions to comprehensively address the concerns of the population, promoting inclusive and sustainable solutions. Neglecting these demands will not only strengthen the advance of the far right, but will also undermine the foundations of democracy in Europe. It is essential to implement measures that address citizen concerns and preserve the social and political cohesion of the continent, in order to build a democratic and prosperous future for all Europeans.
Fabián Bustamante Olguín
Doctor in Sociology. Academic at the Institute of Religious Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo