Far Right's Rise: A Wake-Up Call for Europe's Liberal Democracies 2026

The far right's rise in Europe is a wake-up call for liberal democracies, but the roots of this crisis lie in the failures of the liberal centre itself. As Rafael Behr warns, far-right parties, Maga ideology, and Kremlin influence threaten Europe's liberal democracies. However, the centre's role in creating the conditions for this rise is often overlooked.

The Centre's Complicity in the Far Right's Rise

While Thatcher, Reagan, and their successors weakened trade unions and workers' bargaining power, subsequent centre-left governments largely accepted these changes rather than reversing them. Under the banner of the "third way", they expanded labour market insecurity, embraced financialisation, and allowed private interests to penetrate ever deeper into public services. Social and economic inequality soared.

From the anti-globalisation movement and post-2008 anti-austerity protests to more recent pro-Palestinian mobilisations, the liberal centre has relied increasingly on policing, surveillance, and legal restrictions to contain political opposition. Decades of economic insecurity, shrinking democratic participation, and declining faith in established institutions have created fertile ground for the far right.

Kremlin Money and Maga-Style Politics Thrive on Hollowed-Out Democracy

Kremlin money and Maga-style politics can only thrive because the centre has hollowed out the social and political foundations of liberal democracy. The Alternative für Deutschland's (AfD) success should be a wake-up call. History suggests the centre will hit the snooze button, but the consequences of inaction are dire.

Key Takeaways

• The liberal centre's economic policies increased inequality and insecurity.
• Centre-left governments failed to reverse anti-worker reforms.
• Repression of dissent has eroded democratic legitimacy.
• Far-right parties exploit the resulting disillusionment.
• Without addressing root causes, the far right will continue to gain ground.

Comparing Centre and Far-Right Responses to Economic Insecurity

The Role of the Liberal Centre in Eroding Democracy

The liberal centre's reliance on policing and legal restrictions to contain opposition has further alienated citizens. This approach treats dissent as a problem to be managed rather than a legitimate expression of democratic will. As a result, faith in established institutions has declined, creating an opening for far-right narratives that blame elites and immigrants for society's problems.

Moreover, the centre's embrace of financialisation and privatisation has concentrated wealth and power in the hands of a few, while leaving many workers feeling abandoned. The far right has capitalised on this by offering simple, nationalist solutions.

What Can Be Done?

To counter the far right, the centre must address the economic and political grievances that fuel it. This means reversing labour market insecurity, strengthening social safety nets, and democratising public services. It also requires a commitment to genuine democratic participation, not just periodic elections.

Without such changes, the far right will continue to rise, and the centre's snooze button will only delay the inevitable. Europe's liberal democracies must wake up before it's too late.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of suspension trainer, weighted vest, gym bag shoe compartment, yoga wheel, and trail running shoes. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of lifting shoes, weightlifting belt, kettlebell set home gym, inversion table, and battle rope home gym. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.