It is alarming how much ground far-right ideology is gaining worldwide. Extreme political positions are widespread on the political scene in many countries. Some old ones persist, while new ones are emerging.
A few days ago, revelatory reports by the Greek television station SKAI mentioned the return of Ilias Kasidiaris to the political scene in Greece. Sentenced to 13 years in prison in the Golden Dawn case—a sentence he is set to serve until the very last day— will be released on September 15 and is preparing for his political comeback. This is something he has made public on numerous occasions during the furloughs he received from Domokos Prison. In fact, whenever he was out of his cell, he made sure to organize and attend pre-election rallies—such as the most recent one in Omonia on July 20.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Rallies at which, obviously, he was not alone. He had an audience cheering him on and showing their eagerness for his new political plans. Perhaps not hundreds, but enough for one to realize that the far-right movement in Greece is still going strong. When asked what kind of momentum a party led by Kasidiaris might have, political analysts and commentators respond that it is already hovering around the 5% mark.
The rise and consolidation of far-right ideology is not a political phenomenon limited to Greece or Cyprus but is spreading throughout nearly all of Europe. In Germany, there is a storm brewing known as the AfD (Alternative for Germany). The far-right party, which many analysts have even labeled as neo-Nazi, is solidifying its lead with 29% in the latest INSA poll for the upcoming state elections on September 6. It is vigorously vying for power in the state, and all signs point to it crossing the finish line first—an unprecedented development for postwar Germany. The other political parties trail behind: the Christian Democrats at 21%, the Greens at 13%, and the Left at just 11%.
France and Emmanuel Macron are in the same ballpark as Marine Le Pen, and despite the fact that the leader of the French far right was found guilty by the French courts ofmisappropriation of European funds (a minor offense for some), she announced that she will run for president in ’27. A poll released on August 28 puts her in first place in all first-round scenarios, with her support ranging from 33% to 35%.
In Spain, the far-right is gaining strength, as it is in Italy and other European countries. A vast number of citizens are receptive to radical ideologies.
The main problem, however, is not the citizens who identify with these extreme positions. The big question that should concern the remaining so-called liberal forces is why this inexhaustible reservoir of anger—on which the far right capitalizes—continues to exist in society. Kasidiaris and his like-minded allies find fertile ground and thrive in a political environment that is anything but stable. The far right’s infiltration and its normalization within the system did not happen by magic; rather, someone—or some people—paved the way for it. Whether through their mistakes, their omissions, or even their arrogance—believing that no other ideology can prevail. The rise and shocking stability of the far right across the globe were born out of crises, and as long as the rest of the political spectrum fails to look in the mirror, the monster of thefar right will continue to grow.
