It seems the winds of change are blowing across the old continent, and they’re carrying a distinctly conservative scent. Recent elections and political shifts indicate that Europe’s love affair with progressive politics is hitting the rocks, and a rekindled romance with conservative ideals is on the rise.
Take Austria, for instance. The Freedom Party (FPÖ), a far-right group with a history that would make any liberal clutch their pearls, secured a significant victory with 29% of the vote in recent elections. This isn’t just a flash in the pan; it’s their best result ever. The FPÖ’s leader, Herbert Kickl, is now in coalition talks, potentially positioning himself as Austria’s first far-right chancellor since World War II. This development has sent shockwaves through Europe, emboldening other populist and nationalist movements across the continent.
Meanwhile, in France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally is cruising at over 30% in the polls, leaving President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party in the dust. Le Pen’s rise isn’t just a French phenomenon; it’s part of a broader European trend where hard-right parties are dominating the political landscape.
Germany isn’t immune to this shift either. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party known for its nationalist and anti-immigration stance, has seen a surge in support, particularly among younger voters. In recent elections, the AfD increased its share of young voters from 5% to 16%. This trend challenges the assumption that younger generations are inherently progressive, highlighting a broader frustration with the political establishment.
Even Italy has joined the conservative chorus. The election of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in 2022 marked a watershed moment for European conservatives, turning popularity into power. Meloni’s rise is emblematic of the growing influence of conservative nationalist movements across Europe, many of which share positions such as support for more restrictive immigration policies.
So, what’s fueling this conservative resurgence? A combination of factors, including economic stagnation, rising immigration, and a general disillusionment with the political system, have left many voters feeling alienated by traditional centrist parties. In 2024 alone, more than 1.5 billion ballots were cast in elections across 73 countries, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with incumbent leaders and centrist parties. This dissatisfaction has paved the way for radical parties, particularly on the populist right, to gain traction.
It’s not just Europe experiencing this shift. Globally, conservative parties are gaining ground, with polls indicating a rightward shift in 8 out of 9 key countries holding presidential elections in 2025. This trend spans across Latin America, Europe, and Oceania, signaling a significant transformation in the political landscape worldwide.
In the end, while the left grapples with its waning influence, conservative parties are seizing the moment, capitalizing on public sentiment, and reshaping the political landscape. Whether this global shift to the right will lead to effective governance or further polarization remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the era of unquestioned progressive dominance is over, and a new conservative chapter is being written across the globe.
