European right-wing parties lead voting intentions in the polls

In a trend that has repeated itself in recent years, right-wing parties are leading the polls by a wide margin in the three largest economies in Europe: France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

This phenomenon marks a turning point for right-wing movements on the continent, which have gained strength, driven by popular discontent over mass immigration, high inflation, and weak economic growth. 

In France, the National Rally party, now led by Jordan Bardella, has led the polls throughout the past year. Bardella, successor to Marine Le Pen, has capitalized on social unrest over the effects of immigration and economic decline. His party already holds the largest bloc of seats in the National Assembly. 

The right leads the polls in the United Kingdom and Germany. 

In the United Kingdom, the Reform UK party, founded by the historic Nigel Farage, has surpassed the Labour Party in the polls over the past six months. The veteran conservative politician, known for his central role in Brexit, launched this new party in response to disenchantment with the Conservatives, who are accused of betraying their traditional voters.

In Germany, the right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surpassed the centrist Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in popularity, the party that currently leads the government. AfD has gained ground by promising stricter immigration policies and by criticizing the country's economic management.

The growing popularity of these parties is set against a backdrop of high inflation that has affected all of Europe since the pandemic. Massive public spending during the COVID-19 years, followed by a breakdown in supply chains and energy crises, has caused a persistent rise in prices.

Europe is unrecognizable. 

In addition to the economic problem, mass immigration has become a growing source of tension. In France, the rapid growth of the Muslim population has triggered a cultural reaction among those who fear that traditional French values are being displaced.

In Germany, the proportion of the foreign-born population grew from 15% in 2017 to 22% in 2024. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has experienced record levels of immigration, comparable in absolute terms to those of the United States under Democratic President Joe Biden, despite having a population five times smaller.

This situation has attracted international criticism. Figures such as Elon Musk have expressed their opposition to European migration policies. In a post on his social network, Musk described as "betrayal" the governments that prioritize foreigners over their own citizens. In addition to supporting AfD in Germany, the entrepreneur has criticized European governments for restricting freedom of expression.