Far-Right Support Surges Fivefold Across Europe as Elections Loom

Support for far-right parties has surged dramatically across Europe, with radical right and populist movements now positioned to reshape the continent's political future in upcoming elections.

Radical right and populist parties currently sit in coalition governments in four European countries: Croatia, Czechia, Italy and Finland [1]. They also lead in the polls in Austria, Belgium, France and Germany [1].

The Guardian reported this year that nearly a quarter of European voters chose far-right parties in their most recent national elections—a fivefold increase since 1995 [1]. Europe correspondents Jon Henley and Ashifa Kassam answered questions about their reporting from the continent, including how the votes might shape what comes next [1].

The trend represents a significant shift in European politics, with far-right parties moving from the margins to become mainstream political forces in multiple countries. Upcoming elections across the continent could further cement this transformation or test whether the momentum can be sustained.