Surprising Rise of Far Right Among European Youth: The Case of Portugal
The Rise of Far Right Among European Youth
SETUBAL, Portugal — Surprising voter shifts are driving the far right’s surge in Europe, particularly among the continent’s youth. The growth of the far right, from France to Sweden to the Netherlands, is being fueled by young Europeans in their late teens, 20s, and early 30s, a demographic known more for left-wing youth activism.
In a pivotal year marked by former president Donald Trump’s bid to retake the White House, multiple European governments may be headed for a rightward shift. The first major test is the election in Portugal on Sunday.
Portugal’s Populist Party and the Youth Vote
In Portugal, the far-right Chega party is experiencing a surge in popularity among young voters. Polls indicate that Chega is on track to become the top party for voters aged 18-34, potentially tripling its share of younger voters to 22.5 percent in just two years.
Although Chega is polling in third place overall, its popularity among the youth could make it a kingmaker for a conservative coalition. This rise in the far right is seen as a signal of a broader European trend.
The Unique Factors in Portugal
Portugal, a country often used as a model of success by left-wing politicians across Europe, is experiencing a shift due to historical and economic factors. The Socialists, the center-left party that has been in power since 2015, have seen a decline in support as a result of an ongoing investigation into influence peddling.
In contrast to an image of progressive values following the defeat of the right-wing dictatorship in 1974, the rise of Chega highlights the potential influence of politics on the disenchanted youth. Their disillusionment offers an opportunity for more radical parties to gain traction.
The Role of Social Media and Youth Appeal
Several youth-driven European far-right parties, including Chega, are leveraging savvy social media campaigns and charismatic youthful leaders to appeal to young voters. This shift in strategy has resulted in an increase in the far right’s popular support.
These parties are effectively channeling the disillusionment of young voters with mainstream politics and exploiting social-economic appeals. They have managed to build a significant following on social media platforms, employing modern campaign techniques seen in social media campaigns run by former President Donald Trump and Brazilian far-right leader, Jair Bolsonaro.
The Appeal of Chega: Ultraconservatism Meets Identity Politics
The appeal of Chega, in particular, lies in its blending of ultraconservatism with the entertainment factor. Chega has popular ultraconservative influencers, such as Rita Matias, who combine identity politics with infotainment and social media campaigns to leave mainstream parties struggling to compete.
The rise of far-right parties across Europe has led to concerns among center and left-wing politicians, who fear that young people are more responsive to influencers and disenchanted by mainstream parties. This phenomenon has enabled far-right parties to present themselves as the voice of the dissatisfied youth.
A Broader European Trend
The rise of the far right among young voters is not limited to Portugal. The Netherlands, Austria, Germany, and France have witnessed similar phenomena.
In the Netherlands, anti-migrant stalwart Geert Wilders’ party claimed the largest share of voters between the ages of 18-34. Austria’s far-right Freedom Party is counting on young voters to boost its chances of victory in the national election. In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has seen significant gains among voters under 25.
Even in France, President Emmanuel Macron’s appointment of 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as prime minister is seen as reflecting the far right’s active courting of the youth vote.
Embracing Misinformation and Polarization
Far-right parties, including Chega, have embraced social networks and social media campaigns to spread misinformation and polarization. This approach appeals to the disenchanted youth, who are both disillusioned with mainstream politics and susceptible to the sensationalist nature of social media.
The parties’ messaging focuses on various issues, from the economic plight of young Europeans to concerns about migrants replacing Europeans. The parties primarily target the frustrations faced by young Europeans, such as high youth unemployment, low wages, painful inflation, and unaffordable housing.
Despite concerns about misinformation and the party’s inaccurate statements, the far right’s popularity among the youth remains a challenge for mainstream and left-wing parties.
Conclusion
The rise of the far right among young voters in Europe, as exemplified by the Chega party in Portugal, is reshaping the political landscape. Young Europeans, disillusioned by mainstream politics, are rallying behind parties that offer alternative narratives and the promise of a change from politics as usual.
This shift provides far-right parties with a significant opportunity to influence and shape the social, economic, and political landscape of Europe, potentially reshaping European Union elections.
