As the far-right movement surges across the Atlantic, European liberal democrats are scrambling for a strategy to contain its influence. Some argue that firewalls must be built to prevent far-right parties from gaining political power by refusing to enter coalitions with them. Others, like Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament, have suggested that engaging with certain far-right leaders could temper their extremism by offering them a seat at the table.

 

Still, there remains a belief among centrists that once far-right populists assume office and face the complex realities of governance, they will inevitably shift toward the center. Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s far-right prime minister, has often been cited as proof of this theory. When she took power in 2022, many feared her leadership due to her open admiration for Benito Mussolini and her party’s fascist roots. However, she quickly moved to assuage concerns, maintaining Italy’s support for Ukraine and reaffirming its commitment to NATO. Some European officials even hoped Meloni could serve as a mediator with Donald Trump, should he return to the U.S. presidency. Trump himself has praised Meloni, stating in December that they could “straighten out the world a little bit” if they worked together.

 

 

However, the expectation that Meloni would moderate her stance has proven false. As the global political climate becomes increasingly receptive to far-right ideologies, she has gradually reverted to her more radical positions. There is no real evidence that governing has tempered Meloni; instead, since mid-2024, it has become clear that her centrist shift was merely a strategic move. European liberals must abandon the notion that engaging with far-right figures will mitigate Trump’s influence over Europe. Instead, they should highlight the consequences of turning away from European unity and recognize that Trump is not a reliable ally.

 

During her decade in opposition, Meloni was a vocal critic of the European Union, advocating for Italy’s exit from the eurozone and attacking Brussels’ bureaucracy. Yet, after becoming prime minister, she appeared to soften her stance, supporting Ukraine’s EU membership and building strong ties with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This apparent shift reassured many observers, including U.S. President Joe Biden, who praised her commitment to transatlantic relations.

 

For some, Meloni became a model of how the far right could be integrated and neutralized within mainstream politics. As far-right parties gained traction across Europe—in Austria, France, Germany, and beyond—many traditional leaders debated whether working with them was a more effective strategy than outright opposition. Some center-right governments, such as those in Belgium, Finland, and the Netherlands, followed Italy’s example by forming coalitions with far-right parties.

 

But this optimism was premature. Meloni continued pursuing a nationalist and socially conservative domestic agenda. In 2023, her government prohibited local authorities from registering children born to same-sex couples. Her seemingly centrist foreign policy was not a sign of moderation but a way to deflect criticism while advancing a hard-right agenda at home.

 

Meloni’s true intentions became evident as she gradually moved further right. She sought to increase control over Italy’s judiciary, cracked down on independent media, and proposed constitutional reforms to consolidate power in the prime minister’s office. By 2024, as Trump’s reelection loomed, she pivoted further, praising U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s critique of Europe and attacking progressive ideologies in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

 

Her shift has been particularly stark regarding Ukraine. Initially, her strong support for Ukraine helped her gain credibility among moderate European leaders. But once she had secured their trust, she began subtly distancing herself from Ukraine’s cause. By early 2025, her party abstained from a European Parliament vote supporting Kyiv, and she refused to commit Italian troops to any potential peacekeeping mission unless it was sanctioned by the UN Security Council—where Russia holds veto power.

 

This gradual but deliberate rightward drift is strategic. Rather than making abrupt moves that would spark backlash, Meloni carefully tests the waters before proceeding further. Her approach ensures that her transformation remains largely unnoticed by those who expect far-right leaders to be more overtly extreme.

 

The growing presence of far-right politicians in European governments has only emboldened Meloni. In 2023, Hungary’s Viktor Orban was her only far-right ally in power. By 2024, far-right parties had entered eight European governments, with more expected to follow. Meloni now feels less pressure to maintain a pro-European façade. Unlike Orban, she does not call for Italy to leave the EU, recognizing the economic benefits of membership—especially given Italy’s reliance on EU financial aid. However, she actively works to reshape the EU from within, opposing progressive policies and advocating for less regulation, greater national sovereignty, and weaker climate laws.

 

The assumption that far-right leaders like Meloni can be integrated into mainstream politics and moderated is deeply flawed. Populist leaders rarely change; instead, they use gradual shifts to avoid alarming their opponents while steadily advancing their agendas. This pattern has been seen before, with figures like Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan presenting themselves as reformers early in their rule before veering toward authoritarianism.

 

European centrists who collaborate with the far right often find themselves dominated rather than influencing these leaders. Italy serves as a prime example: once a center-right stronghold, the country’s political landscape has now been reshaped by Meloni’s far-right party. Similar trends are unfolding in Austria, France, and the Netherlands.

 

While Meloni supports transatlantic cooperation, her vision aligns with an ethnonationalist worldview that prioritizes a Christian, white West. This ideology inherently conflicts with the realities of global politics, where nationalist movements often struggle to maintain cohesion. Trump’s second presidency is expected to further strain these alliances. His policies are already proving detrimental to Europe, with tariffs on EU goods and demands for increased European defense spending placing Italy in a precarious position.

 

Despite her ideological alignment with Trump, Meloni faces a dilemma. As Trump actively undermines European security and economic stability, far-right European leaders will be forced to choose between aligning with him or preserving their nations’ interests. The contradictions within their nationalist ideology will become increasingly evident.

 

European moderates cannot afford to stand by or attempt to co-opt figures like Meloni as mediators with Trump. Instead, they must expose the inconsistencies in far-right rhetoric. While these leaders claim to represent the people, their alignment with Trump’s agenda undermines Europe’s security and prosperity. Only by highlighting these contradictions and emphasizing the dangers of a fragmented Europe can liberal democrats counteract the far-right’s growing influence and protect the continent’s future.

 

 

Based on a report by Foreign Affairs  2025-03-29

 

 

Trump's policies are not far right. Tariffs are left wing.

Meloni is not far right.

 

When will they realize the slurs aren't working?

There is no far right , just conservatives who want to keep the values and culture of their forefathers.

 

far-right European leaders will be forced to choose between aligning with him (Trump) or preserving their nations’ interests.

 

Trump wants to stop the war and wants equal trading , the euro leaders don't. So Trump does NOT undermine European security and economic stability.

 

 

16 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Meloni is not far right.

 

When will they realize the slurs aren't working?

Far right = normal

Truman would be far right these days

Far-right movements are getting support due to the lefts refusal to stop all the illegal migrants swarming all over Europe and committing serious crimes!! The more they refuse to act, the more the far-right will be supported!! It is the only way the people can get rid of the problem!! If they do not understand this, they are STUPID!!

This article gives only a part of the whole picture.

The right wing parties are not coming out of the blue.

It's already a creeping process since the last 20 years, culminating in 2015, and very imminent, when refugees and asylum seekers swept uncontrolled over Europe.

People in all European countries were afraid to see cuts in social benefits or lack of appropriate housing. The government's spending in supporting those "strangers" were rising exceptionally.

People didn't cope with "strange" cultures and values and the new neighbors.

These refugees are not sharing our history, culture, values, rules, customs.

Some try to assimilate and to achieve education and a good job, but the majority exploit the community. 

These are the moments right wing parties get their momentum by claiming to stop people from entering their countries and to defend the borders of Europe, which is not easy because of the Geneve convention. 

The very crucial obstacle is that those refugees know our laws. They can't be deported back if the proposed receiving country will deny to take them back.

So, even there are hundreds of thousand immigrants to deport it's impossible.

So that is the right wings mantra: out with them! Knowing it's impossible by EU and humanitarian rules and laws 

People in Europe want a change but a solution is only possible with receiving countries, which means money.

There are agreements with Tunesia and Turkey, but what about Syria, Afghanistan, and others?

We in Europe are the "pull factor". Our life and social benefits (even only securing the minimum) are triggering people from all poor countries to go for the long and sometimes deadly road to Europe.

What to do?

If we can't protect the entry then we have to invest in those countries where they are coming from to improve their daily life there. Building schools, hospitals, infrastructure, productions and stop corruption at the same time.

Lots to do if you want to diminish the influence of the right wing parties.🙏

 

16 minutes ago, harryviking said:

If they do not understand this, they are STUPID!!

 

I think they understand all of this, they have just convinced themselves that if they say, "that's just a far-right talking point" they can make it all go away.

3 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

This article gives only a part of the whole picture.

The right wing parties are not coming out of the blue.

It's already a creeping process since the last 20 years, culminating in 2015, and very imminent, when refugees and asylum seekers swept uncontrolled over Europe.

People in all European countries were afraid to see cuts in social benefits or lack of appropriate housing. The government's spending in supporting those "strangers" were rising exceptionally.

People didn't cope with "strange" cultures and values and the new neighbors.

These refugees are not sharing our history, culture, values, rules, customs.

Some try to assimilate and to achieve education and a good job, but the majority exploit the community. 

These are the moments right wing parties get their momentum by claiming to stop people from entering their countries and to defend the borders of Europe, which is not easy because of the Geneve convention. 

The very crucial obstacle is that those refugees know our laws. They can't be deported back if the proposed receiving country will deny to take them back.

So, even there are hundreds of thousand immigrants to deport it's impossible.

So that is the right wings mantra: out with them! Knowing it's impossible by EU and humanitarian rules and laws 

People in Europe want a change but a solution is only possible with receiving countries, which means money.

There are agreements with Tunesia and Turkey, but what about Syria, Afghanistan, and others?

We in Europe are the "pull factor". Our life and social benefits (even only securing the minimum) are triggering people from all poor countries to go for the long and sometimes deadly road to Europe.

What to do?

If we can't protect the entry then we have to invest in those countries where they are coming from to improve their daily life there. Building schools, hospitals, infrastructure, productions and stop corruption at the same time.

Lots to do if you want to diminish the influence of the right wing parties.🙏

 

It's quite interesting how we live in a society where someone saying "There's too many immigrants, we need to stop them" is automatically seen as racist and crazy.  I even think that when I write it, but this is obviously a completely sensible and legitimate opinion to have, if there genuinely are issues with immigration.

 People who object to uncontrolled muslim immigration and wish to restore social order and protect their countries heritage for future generations are not far right or racist. 

Yes, unfortunately, the rise of the "far-right" is happening all over the world now. It certainly has in my home country, the USA. 😞 

The trend has nothing to do with the so-called 'Far Right'. These are simply patriots who are concerned for their countries' future.

There are no far-right political leaders in Europe with the exception of one (see below)* but there are extreme-left political parties (total equalitarianism and social equality). These parties used to be completely proletarian but not anymore, they incorporate many branches of collectivist ecologists and other tree-hugging cultists as well as activists utopians.

Far-right regimes have disappeared after the death of Franco, Salazar and the Greek Junta.

The only ones remaining were the rulers of communists countries, members of the Warsaw Pact with the exception of Tito who kept Yugoslavia out of the pact. These were the true far-right rulers hiding behind a screen of Marxism-Leninism or socialism.

* The only far-right leader in Europe is Führerin Frau von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. Nominated by her peers but unelected. She stands above the law and does not answer to anybody. She rules without opposition, the only opposition is among members of the European Parliament with no real legislative power against the European Commission decisions.

 

 

 

 

40 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

This article gives only a part of the whole picture.

The right wing parties are not coming out of the blue.

It's already a creeping process since the last 20 years, culminating in 2015, and very imminent, when refugees and asylum seekers swept uncontrolled over Europe.

People in all European countries were afraid to see cuts in social benefits or lack of appropriate housing. The government's spending in supporting those "strangers" were rising exceptionally.

People didn't cope with "strange" cultures and values and the new neighbors.

These refugees are not sharing our history, culture, values, rules, customs.

Some try to assimilate and to achieve education and a good job, but the majority exploit the community. 

These are the moments right wing parties get their momentum by claiming to stop people from entering their countries and to defend the borders of Europe, which is not easy because of the Geneve convention. 

The very crucial obstacle is that those refugees know our laws. They can't be deported back if the proposed receiving country will deny to take them back.

So, even there are hundreds of thousand immigrants to deport it's impossible.

So that is the right wings mantra: out with them! Knowing it's impossible by EU and humanitarian rules and laws 

People in Europe want a change but a solution is only possible with receiving countries, which means money.

There are agreements with Tunesia and Turkey, but what about Syria, Afghanistan, and others?

We in Europe are the "pull factor". Our life and social benefits (even only securing the minimum) are triggering people from all poor countries to go for the long and sometimes deadly road to Europe.

What to do?

If we can't protect the entry then we have to invest in those countries where they are coming from to improve their daily life there. Building schools, hospitals, infrastructure, productions and stop corruption at the same time.

Lots to do if you want to diminish the influence of the right wing parties.🙏

 

How do you classify the political regime of Singapore?

What have they done for their successful political stability and financial achievements?

Based on your list of do’s and don’t’s how does it apply to Singapore?

25 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

Yes, unfortunately, the rise of the "far-right" is happening all over the world now. It certainly has in my home country, the USA. 😞 

 

Too many media outlets see anyone to the right of Stalin or disagreeing with their liberal woke agenda as this mythical 'far right'. There are no far right leaders.

2 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Too many media outlets see anyone to the right of Stalin or disagreeing with their liberal woke agenda as this mythical 'far right'. There are no far right leaders.

I blame the education system. Full of lefty teachers brainwashing kids. They don't even know Hitler was a socialist.

7 minutes ago, Nid_Noi said:

How do you classify the political regime of Singapore?

What have they done for their successful political stability and financial achievements?

Based on your list of do’s and don’t’s how does it apply to Singapore?

Why Europe's Far Right Remains Untamed

that's the thread's headline

7 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Too many media outlets see anyone to the right of Stalin or disagreeing with their liberal woke agenda as this mythical 'far right'. There are no far right leaders.

I disagree. I, of course, would describe my own president and his supporters (MAGA) as "far right." But, then I do describe myself as "work" and "far left," so I might be more inclined to view people who don't have some leftist or at least moderate views as "far right."

1 minute ago, WDSmart said:

I disagree. I, of course, would describe my own president and his supporters (MAGA) as "far right." But, then I do describe myself as "work" and "far left," so I might be more inclined to view people who don't have some leftist or at least moderate views as "far right."

Tariffs are left wing. Trump was a Democrat 10 years ago.

8 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Tariffs are left wing. Trump was a Democrat 10 years ago.

Tariffs are, IMO, right-wing. They support capitalism. The left-wing approach would be free trade everywhere. That supports socialism.

Yes, Trump described himself as a Democrat years ago. Now he claims to be a Republican. He's whatever he has to be to get power and make money. He's an aristocratic capitalist. 

2 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

Tariffs are, IMO, right-wing. They support capitalism. The left-wing approach would be free trade everywhere. That supports socialism.

Yes, Trump described himself as a Democrat years ago. Now he claims to be a Republican. He's whatever he has to be to get power and make money. He's an aristocratic capitalist. 

Free trade is capitalism lol

Socialists are generally concerned with protecting jobs and workers' rights, so they may support tariffs if they believe it will help create or save jobs

7 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Free trade is capitalism lol

Yes, any "trade" you undertake to make a profit is capitalism...IMO. 

Just now, WDSmart said:

Yes, any "trade" you undertake to make a profit is capitalism...IMO. 

Make up your mind

5 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Socialists are generally concerned with protecting jobs and workers' rights, so they may support tariffs if they believe it will help create or save jobs

That would be true of socialists with a right-wing "America First" attitude. A true socialist would also be concerned with the jobs and workers in other countries, and a tariff would probably hurt them. 

Just now, WDSmart said:

That would be true of socialists with a right-wing "America First" attitude. A true socialist would also be concerned with the jobs and workers in other countries, and a tariff would probably hurt them. 

True socialist 

1 minute ago, Harrisfan said:

2 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

Yes, any "trade" you undertake to make a profit is capitalism...IMO. 

Make up your mind

I have made up my mind about this subject. What have I posted that makes you think I haven't?

57 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Why Europe's Far Right Remains Untamed

that's the thread's headline

That’s what I thought, far-right ideology is purely European. It has obviously been tamed in other countries.

2 hours ago, FlorC said:

There is no far right , just conservatives who want to keep the values and culture of their forefathers.

 

far-right European leaders will be forced to choose between aligning with him (Trump) or preserving their nations’ interests.

 

Trump wants to stop the war and wants equal trading , the euro leaders don't. So Trump does NOT undermine European security and economic stability.

 

 

Pre-election Trump is on record  a repeatedly saying it would only take him a day to stop the Russian aggression and the war. This man is full of empty words, plenty of half truth at best and  excels only in creating chaos. Am I glad I am not American.