Europe is witnessing a notable shift in its political landscape as the radical right continues to gain momentum across the continent. What was once considered a fringe movement has now taken center stage, with far-right parties holding power or supporting governments in several EU countries. This surge in popularity among the radical right is reshaping European politics and raising concerns about the future direction of the continent.

The unifying factor among these diverse far-right parties is their emphasis on an ethnic nation-state, skepticism towards supranational organizations like the European Union, hostility towards migrants (particularly Muslims), and a focus on preserving what they view as traditional values. Some radical-right politicians support economic libertarianism, while others advocate for a strong, protective state for their citizens.

While factionalism remains a challenge, Russia emerges as a significant point of division within the radical right. Some parties openly support Russian President Vladimir Putin, while others vehemently oppose him. This divergence of opinions highlights the complexities within the movement.

The appeal of the radical right is not limited to any specific demographic. It encompasses various groups, including farmers and workers who blame EU policies for the decline of their livelihoods, middle-class voters concerned about immigration and the erosion of traditional values, and even young people anxious about rising living costs or drawn to the allure of something new. Migration remains a central issue, but culture wars, such as access to abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental regulations, have also contributed to the appeal of populist parties.

The growth of the radical right is further facilitated by a lack of attractive alternatives. Traditional parties of power, which have long dominated European politics, have seen their support dwindle in the face of ongoing instability, such as wars, pandemics, and economic uncertainty. Consequently, the European political landscape is witnessing a void that these new challengers from the radical right are stepping into.

The impact of the radical right's ascent is expected to be long-lasting. Political allegiances often formed in early adulthood tend to endure throughout individuals' lives. Unlike in the United States, where support for similar movements is largely concentrated among the elderly, Europe's insurgent parties have managed to capture the youth vote, potentially securing their support for the foreseeable future.

While the radical right's rise to power has already influenced European policy, particularly on migration and climate change, there are concerns about its potential consequences. The erosion of the cordon sanitaire, a firewall established by mainstream parties to isolate the far right politically, has given these parties unprecedented access to power. Currently, radical right parties are either in power or supporting the government in seven EU countries. If the trend continues, a third of the EU's national governments may rely on far-right support for their survival.

Amidst these developments, the French political landscape stands out. The two largest far-right parties are projected to attain approximately 40% of the vote in the upcoming election, raising questions about the readiness of voters to grant the radical right a chance at the country's presidency in 2027. The potential ascension of Marine Le Pen, a far-right leader, could have significant consequences, as she has expressed intentions to withdraw France from NATO's integrated military command and reduce the EU's authority.

Critics argue that many radical-right parties bear the remnants of undemocratic regimes, with some leaders displaying concerning ties to fascist ideologies. Hungary, under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, provides a troubling example of how the radical right can shape policy when in power. Accusations of undermining the judiciary, eroding media freedom, and rigging the electoral system have plagued Orbán's rule. Similarly, Italy's current political climate, under the influence of far-right leader Giorgia Meloni, sees concerns regarding media censorship, an empowered prime minister, and a push to rewrite the constitution.

As the European political landscape undergoes a significant reordering, it is essential to monitor the impact of the radical right's rise. Questions about how far-right governments will govern and whether they will relinquish power when the time comes remain pertinent. Europe's mainstream parties now face the challenge of adapting to this new political reality or risk further empowering the forces of the radical right.