Far Right Parties Gain Power in Italy and Europe

Rome, Italy —(Map)

Italy’s election for parliament on Sunday resulted in a coalition of far right political parties coming to power. The result was expected, but it has caused concern in Europe. The changes could make it more difficult for Europe to remain united.

On Sunday, people in Italy voted in a general election. The far right political party Brothers of Italy won the largest share of votes. Together with two other far right parties, Brothers of Italy will have enough votes for a coalition government. Above, a man votes in Sunday’s election

On Sunday, people in Italy voted in a general election. The far right political party Brothers of Italy won the largest share of votes – about 26%. That’s a huge increase from the last election four years ago, when it won a little over 4%. Together with two other far right parties, Brothers of Italy will have enough votes for a coalition government.

Brothers of Italy is led by 45-year-old Giorgia Meloni. There are still many things that need to be worked out, but it seems likely that Ms. Meloni will become Italy’s first female prime minister.

Though Ms. Meloni says she will be a leader “for everyone”, many people are worried. Ms. Meloni has made it clear that she wants to stop immigrants from coming to Italy. She is against some rights for LGBTQ people.

Italy is not the only country in Europe where far right political parties are making gains. Just two weeks ago the far right Sweden Democrats party took 20.6% of the vote. Though the Sweden Democrats aren’t in power, their numbers mean that the party will have a much stronger voice in Parliament. The party’s success came as a shock.

In France’s elections earlier this year, the far right party National Rally, led by Marine le Pen, did better than it has ever done before. And in Hungary, April’s elections led to Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party remaining in power. It’s Mr. Orban’s fourth term as prime minister.

These results could make it more challenging for the countries of Europe to work together. In general, far right parties aren’t as eager to support the European Union.

Far right politicians are making gains across Europe. Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, was elected to a fourth term this year. Above, Mr. Orban (left), after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) on February 1, a few weeks before Russia invaded Ukraine.

Over the last years, it has been very important for European countries to work together. This was true during the Covid-19 pandemic. And it was especially true as these countries responded in a united way to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That could become more difficult. Many far right politicians have been supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Now, as Europe and the world face multiple challenges, like high prices, energy shortages, and the climate crisis,  working together will continue to be important. Some people worry that far right politicians may be less willing to join in group efforts like these.

As Europe and the world face multiple challenges, like high prices, energy shortages, and the climate crisis, working together will continue to be important. Some people worry that far right politicians may be less willing to join in these group efforts. Above, Ms. Meloni on election night.

Troubling Links in History

One thing that concerns many people in Europe is that some far right political parties have troubling connections in history.

Sweden’s Social Democrats was started as a group that admired the ideas of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Brothers of Italy grew out of an old political party that supported the ideas of Benito Mussolini, Italy’s World War II leader who supported Hitler.