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The EU’s Global Struggles and the Rise of the Far-Right
The European Union is increasingly being seen as "out of the (global) game" by its critics, particularly among far-right leaders. Spanish MEP Jorge Buxadé, who leads the Vox delegation in the European Parliament, has been vocal about this perception. He argues that the EU is failing to compete effectively with global powerhouses like China and the United States, and that a radical shift in strategy and leadership is needed to address this stagnation. Buxadé and his far-right allies believe that the EU has lost its way, succumbing to bureaucratic inefficiencies and a one-size-fits-all approach that disregards the unique identities of its member states. This sentiment is central to the agenda of the Patriots for Europe, a far-right coalition that held a summit in Madrid to outline its plans for the coming months.
A Vision for a "Multicolored Europe"
At the heart of the Patriots for Europe’s vision is the idea of a "multicolored Europe," where each nation retains its distinct identity and personality. Buxadé criticized the current EU leadership, particularly European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, for what he calls an overreach of bureaucratic power. He and his allies advocate for a decentralized EU where decisions are made at the national level rather than by Brussels. This vision is not just about policy but also about reclaiming what they see as the cultural and political sovereignty of European nations. The Patriots for Europe frames itself as a force of change, challenging the dominance of mainstream centre-right and centre-left parties like the European People’s Party (EPP) and the European Socialists.
The Far-Right’s Strategic Agenda
The Patriots for Europe’s agenda includes several key priorities, many of which align with broader far-right themes. These include proposing a temporary suspension of the EU’s Green Deal, enhancing security measures, combating illegal migration, and protecting freedom of expression. The Green Deal, a landmark EU initiative aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050, has become a lightning rod for criticism from the far-right. French far-right leader Jordan Bardella recently called for its suspension, urging other conservative groups in the European Parliament to form an alliance against the left. While some groups like the EPP rejected this call outright, others like the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) have expressed openness to further discussions.
Expanding Influence in Europe and Beyond
The Patriots for Europe is actively working to expand its political influence across the continent. Under the leadership of Spanish far-right leader Santiago Abascal, the party has positioned itself as a unifying force for like-minded movements. Buxadé emphasized the importance of cooperation among member parties, stating that their shared goal is to support each other in winning elections and gaining power at both the national and EU levels. The party’s influence extends beyond Europe, with connections to right-wing leaders in the United States, Argentina, and Paraguay. This transatlantic alliance is seen as a strategic move to amplify their impact and create a global network of conservative and nationalist movements.
The Patriots for Europe: A Coalition of Nationalist Leaders
The Patriots for Europe is a coalition of some of the most prominent far-right parties in Europe, including Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National in France, Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz in Hungary, and Matteo Salvini’s Lega in Italy. While not all these parties currently hold power at the EU level, many are influential in their home countries. For example, Orbán’s Fidesz is a key player in Hungary, while Salvini’s Lega supports Italy’s right-wing government. The coalition also includes figures like Geert Wilders from the Netherlands and Andrej Babiš from the Czech Republic, who are positioning themselves for electoral success in upcoming polls. Buxadé argues that this growing network of parties is no longer just a political movement but represents the "real, immediate future" of European politics.
The Road Ahead for the Far-Right in Europe
Looking ahead, the Patriots for Europe plans to continue its expansion and strengthen its transatlantic ties. The party’s summit in Madrid, held behind closed doors, was an opportunity for its leaders to strategize and present a unified vision for 2025. Buxadé highlighted the symbolic significance of the summit’s slogan, "Make Europe great again," drawing inspiration from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s "Make America Great Again" campaign. Thefar-right coalition’s emphasis on sovereignty, security, and cultural identity resonates with a growing segment of the European electorate, particularly in the face of mounting global challenges. As the EU grapples with internal divisions and external pressures, the rise of the Patriots for Europe represents a significant shift in the continent’s political landscape.
