The Alarming Shift of Europe's Youth Towards Far-Right Ideologies
The growing appeal of far-right populist parties among Europe's youth threatens to reshape the political landscape and undermine the core values of the European project.
The Facts:
Europe's far-right political parties are poised to make significant gains in the upcoming European Parliament elections, and the driving force behind this surge appears to be the support of younger voters. Contrary to expectations, the continent's youth, particularly those aged 14 to 29, are increasingly gravitating towards these nationalist and euroskeptic parties, potentially shifting the priorities and direction of the European Union.
In recent national elections across several European countries, including Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Finland, and France, young voters have demonstrated unprecedented support for far-right populist parties. As noted in a recent study led by German youth researcher Simon Schnetzer, "It seems as if the coronavirus pandemic left [young people] irritated about our ability to cope with the future, which is reflected in deep insecurity." This sentiment of uncertainty and disillusionment among the youth has made them more receptive to the messaging and promises of far-right parties.
In Germany, for instance, Simon Schnetzer's study found that 22% of young people surveyed would vote for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, double the figure from two years ago. As Rumena Filipova, director of the independent organization Institute for Global Analytics (IGA) explains, “They (Millennials and Gen-Z) feel excluded from political processes and economic benefits, which makes them less satisfied with democracy”. This trend is not limited to Germany, as similar patterns have been observed in the Netherlands, where the Party for Freedom, led by Geert Wilders, a far-right populist, was the most popular party among those under 35.
Compounding this, young people in Central and Eastern Europe, in particular, have become disillusioned with the lack of tangible progress since the fall of communist regimes. As Rumena Filipova explains, “For Gen Z, the accession to NATO and the EU of the countries of Eastern and Central Europe in the 2000s happened a long time ago, they don't have as vivid a memory as millennials, so they are more open to the diatribes launched by nationalists.”
Perceptions of political and economic exclusion, fueled by inequality, declining opportunities, and governments' limited consideration of young people's concerns have fueled disaffection among the youth in the region. Nationalist feelings are gaining ground among the youth, with a significant percentage not perceiving the far-right as a threat. Support for international institutions, especially the EU, is waning among the under-35 demographic, with many believing that Brussels "dictates" what to do in their countries.
The reasons behind this shift are multifaceted, but a common thread appears to be a sense of dissatisfaction and insecurity among young Europeans. Issues such as personal finances, professional opportunities, the healthcare sector, and social recognition have become sources of deep concern, overshadowing the climate crisis. Young voters express less concern about the climate crisis and more about issues like inflation, the economy, and old-age poverty. According to political scientist António Costa Pinto, a professor of Politics and Contemporary European History at Lisbon University, the challenges stem from a combination of very low average wages and an economy that struggles to accommodate educated young individuals. Eberhard Seidel, managing director of the Berlin-based nongovernmental organization Schools Without Racism, adds to this: 'In the past, right-wing sympathizers accused immigrants of taking their jobs. Now, there are enough jobs, but insufficient housing for working people. Many still have to live with their parents."
The far-right parties have been successful in attracting younger voters by addressing these concerns and the perception that they feel unheard or uninvolved in the political process. Furthermore, the far-right parties have been effective in engaging with young voters, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok. In his youth study Simon Schnetzer's found that among young German people, 57% obtain their news and political information from social media. WhatsApp is the most widely used platform, with over 90% of users, followed by Instagram (80%) and YouTube (77%). TikTok has also seen significant growth, now at 51% regular usage among 14- to 29-year-olds, up from 44% last year. This widespread use of social media has allowed far-right parties to effectively target and influence young voters with their messaging.
The hope that giving 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote would help curb the populist surge in Europe has not materialized, as growing numbers of younger voters are siding with far-right populist parties. This trend suggests that the demographic shift towards far-right support among the youth
The View:
This trend among Europe's youth is deeply concerning and warrants urgent attention. The fact that younger generations, who are often viewed as the harbingers of progress and change, are increasingly embracing far-right ideologies is a troubling development that could have profound implications for the future of the European Union and the democratic values it represents.
The appeal of these nationalist and euroskeptic parties to young people is particularly alarming, as it suggests a fundamental disconnect between the aspirations and concerns of the youth and the policies and priorities of the mainstream political establishment. The widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, fueled by economic insecurity and a perceived lack of political representation, has created a breeding ground for the far-right's populist rhetoric and promises of change.
Addressing the root causes of the youth's dissatisfaction, such as economic insecurity and a perceived lack of political representation, could go a long way in countering the rise of far-right extremism. Effective policies that prioritize job creation, affordable housing, and increased political participation for young people could help restore their faith in the democratic process. Targeted investments in education, civic institutions, and the rule of law in these regions could help reinforce the foundations of democracy and provide young people with a more stable and inclusive political environment.
Alarmingly, the far-right has proven adept at leveraging social media platforms, such as TikTok, to reach and indoctrinate young people, effectively exploiting their vulnerabilities and grievances. This strategic use of digital tools to spread divisive ideologies is a concerning trend that must be addressed with urgency. Policymakers should work closely with social media platforms to develop effective measures to counter the spread of divisive ideologies and misinformation online, such as implementing robust content moderation policies, promoting digital literacy initiatives, and supporting the development of alternative online communities that foster democratic values and civic engagement.
The rise of far-right extremism among the youth is not limited to Western Europe, but is also gaining traction in Central and Eastern Europe, where democratic institutions have struggled to take root fully. This worrying phenomenon is rooted in a profound sense of political and economic exclusion, as well as a growing disillusionment with the EU and other international institutions.
It is essential that mainstream political forces and policymakers take decisive action to address the underlying issues driving young Europeans towards the far-right. Merely dismissing or downplaying these trends would be a grave mistake, as the consequences of a further shift to the extreme could have devastating implications for the future of the European project and the core values of democracy.
Failure to address the root causes of the youth's dissatisfaction, counter the far-right's digital propaganda, and reinforce democratic institutions across the European Union could jeopardize the future of the European project and the core values of democracy that it represents.
TLDR:
The far-right political parties in Europe are gaining significant support from younger voters, particularly those aged 14 to 29.
This shift is driven by a sense of dissatisfaction and insecurity among the youth, stemming from issues such as personal finances, professional opportunities, and the perceived lack of political representation.
The far-right parties have effectively leveraged social media platforms, such as TikTok, to target and influence young voters with their messaging.
The rise of far-right extremism among the youth is not limited to Western Europe but is also gaining traction in Central and Eastern Europe, where democratic institutions have struggled to take root fully.
Addressing the root causes of the youth's dissatisfaction, such as economic insecurity and a perceived lack of political representation, is crucial to counter the spread of far-right ideologies.
Policymakers must take decisive action to address the underlying issues, counter the far-right's digital propaganda, and reinforce democratic institutions across the European Union to safeguard the future of the European project and the core values of democracy.
Insights From:
Europe’s Youth Are Fueling the Far Right - Foreign Policy
Far-right extremism spreads among young people in Central and Eastern Europe - EL PAÍS English