Does the economy matter ti the far right

2024 Global Election Landscape and the Rise of the Far Right

2024 is termed as the biggest election year in global history. The far right has gained significant support internationally, particularly in Europe. This popularity surge has involved billions of voters, many of whom are economically disadvantaged, particularly in declining job sectors. The central question arises: what role does economics play in this trend?

Economic Drivers of Far Right Popularity

Economic factors play a critical role in sustaining the appeal of authoritarian populist parties, particularly among voters who feel insecure or economically disenfranchised. These parties often frame their platforms using economic themes to resonate with voters:

  1. Economic Messaging:
    Politicians frequently promise economic revival or job restoration in specific sectors. For instance, a typical campaign promise might include statements like: "If I win, we're gonna bring those miners back. You're gonna be so proud of your president. You're gonna be so proud of your country."
    This suggests that for many far right supporters, economic policies are seen as entwined with broader cultural wars, indicating a strategic leveraging of economic grievances to bolster cultural identity.

  2. Business Leaders' Perspectives:
    Reactions from businesses towards far right parties can range widely. For instance, groups like the EFD (European Freedom Party) expressing anti-EU sentiments are viewed as threats to business interests, with implications for trade and economic stability. This factor complicates how far right parties engage with economic issues.

Definitions and the Use of Terminology

The term “far right” is frequently utilized in political discourse, specifically with regards to its application in the European Parliament's Identity and Democracy group, which embraces themes such as:

  • Nationalism

  • Strong anti-immigration sentiment

  • Euroskepticism

Examples of Far Right Parties:

  1. France: National Rally

  2. Netherlands: Party for Freedom

  3. Italy: Giorgio Meloni’s government

  4. Hungary: Victor Orban’s administration

  5. Germany: Alternative for Germany (AFD)

  6. USA: Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement

  7. UK: Conservative Party (at times labeled as far right)

Critique of the Term