Causes of the Right-wing Resurgence
Economic and Social Discontent
One of the main causes of the rise of the right is the economic and social discontent that has intensified over the past decade. The financial crisis of 2008, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, left many economies reeling and large segments of the population disillusioned with traditional economic policies. In this context, right-wing leaders have capitalized on the discontent by promising radical reforms, fiscal austerity and a move away from globalization policies that they claim have benefited an elite at the expense of the working class.
Nationalism and Sovereignty
The resurgence of nationalism has also been a crucial factor. The perception of a loss of sovereignty vis-à-vis supranational bodies and immigration have fueled nationalist sentiments. In Europe, Brexit is a clear example of how these sentiments can shape political outcomes. Leaders such as Marine Le Pen in France and Georgia Meloni in Italy have tapped into this fervor, advocating for stricter border control policies and greater autonomy from the European Union.
Rejection of Political Correctness and Cultural Globalization
Another feature of the rise of the right has been the rejection of what they perceive as excessive political correctness and cultural globalization that dilutes national identities. This rejection has manifested itself in a support for policies that promote traditional values and a resistance to rapid social change, especially on issues of gender and LGBT+ rights.
Example of the Rise of the Right:
Argentina: Javier Milei
The election of Javier Milei as president of Argentina represented a sea change in the country's politics. Milei, a libertarian economist known for his extreme positions against public spending and his defense of the free market, has promised to dismantle much of Argentina's state apparatus. His rise reflects Argentines' weariness with the traditional political class, in a context of economic crisis and high inflation.
France: Marine Le Pen
Marine Le Pen has led the National Front (now National Rally) to become one of the main political forces in France. Her anti-immigration rhetoric, criticism of the European Union and advocacy of economic protectionism have resonated with an electorate that feels threatened by globalization and immigration. Although Le Pen has failed to win the presidency, her growing support has forced other parties to harden their positions on immigration and security.
The recent triumph of the National Rally in the European elections, winning a historic 31.5% of the vote, has triggered a political crisis in France. This result prompted President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the National Assembly, calling for new elections in an effort to clarify an uncertain political situation and stabilize the country. Macron warned that the rise of nationalists and demagogues represents a danger for both France and Europe.
Italy: Giorgia Meloni
In Italy, Giorgia Meloni has emerged as a major figure on the right with her Brothers of Italy party. Meloni, the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in Italy, has based her politics on strong nationalism, social conservatism and skepticism towards the European Union. Her rise reflects a rejection of traditional Italian politics and a demand for a tougher stance on immigration and national sovereignty. Meloni has promised to revitalize the Italian economy and reinforce traditional values, winning broad support in a country that has seen a series of political and economic crises over the past decade.
Europe: A Broad and Diverse Picture
In Europe, the rise of the right is evident in several countries. In Germany, the social democracy of Chancellor Olaf Scholz was severely beaten in the recent elections, coming in third place behind the Christian Democrat opposition and the neo-Nazi far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). This result reflects growing dissatisfaction with the current government, especially in the context of a severe economic crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
In Austria, the far-right FPÖ party won more than 27% of the vote, while in Spain, Vox increased its representation, gaining seven deputies. The European Parliament expects radical right-wing groups, such as ECR (European Conservatives and Reformists) and ID (Identity and Democracy), to increase their presence, although the center-right, center-left and center coalition retains a majority.
Brazil: Jair Bolsonaro
In Brazil, the election of Jair Bolsonaro marked a shift to the right after years of Workers' Party rule. Bolsonaro, a former military officer with a populist discourse, has been controversial for his statements on human rights, the environment and the COVID-19 pandemic. His presidency has been marked by a weakening of democratic institutions and controversies regarding his measures.
Consequences
Economic and Social Reforms
In terms of economic and social policies, right-wing governments have implemented reforms aimed at reducing the size of the state and promoting the free market. However, these policies have been criticized on several occasions for increasing inequality and reducing social protections. In the social sphere, right-wing policies tend to be more conservative, with an emphasis on security, national sovereignty and cultural identity.
International Relations
In international relations, the rise of the right has led to increased nationalism and less multilateral cooperation. This is evident in the withdrawal from international agreements, criticism of supranational organizations and a more unilateral approach to foreign policy. These trends can weaken the rules-based international order and increase tensions between countries.
For example, right-wing governments in Europe, such as Viktor Orbán's in Hungary, have adopted policies that challenge traditional democratic values and have generated friction within the European Union. Likewise, Bolsonaro's stance in Brazil on environmental issues has complicated relations with other countries concerned about climate change.
The advance of the right globally is a complex phenomenon that reflects a mix of economic, social and cultural discontent. While it has brought important changes in national and international policies, it has also created formidable challenges to democratic stability and global cooperation. The future of this movement will depend on its ability to respond to the needs and concerns of the population without exacerbating existing social and political divisions.
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