Can the Left Get It Right?
Camilla Taylor, Junior Reporter, BA International Relations
Is left-wing politics losing relevance in the face of rising right-wing populism? In recent years, far-right populism has surged across the continent, reshaping national debates, redefining political parties, and challenging the once dominant left. From Ger many to Italy, the far right has gained unprecedented momentum, while the traditional left is struggling to maintain relevance with the change of direction. With right-wing politics potentially rewriting the future of Europe, the status quo is being challenged, leaving progressive politics to rethink its strategies in a dynamic world. Is this the end of the road for left-wing politics? Or is there still room for the left to reclaim its voice?
The history of the left in Europe can be traced back to the post-World War 2 era, where it became the vanguard of social progress. Left-wing parties championed labour rights, universal healthcare, social security and economic policies which aimed to reduce inequality, enabling them to become a dominant force in many countries. However, these parties started facing increasing challenges in the 1980s, with the rise of neo liberalism, globalisation and a series of political and eco nomic crises. The left was forced to face these new realities: a more interconnected world, a shrinking of the state and a growing sentiment that the welfare state had become insufficient and a drain on the economy. By the early 21st century, European left-wing par ties had embraced the ‘Third Way’ politics, most notably by Tony Blair, which sought to balance the free-market with social welfare, abandoning pure left-wing policies. Despite this stark change, the 2008 global financial crisis revealed that these adjustments were not sufficient to prevent the eco nomic insecurity, which later fuelled the rise of the right.
The past five years have been extremely challenging for the European bloc: Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with its subsequent energy crisis. Today, the left is facing a loss of relevance, in contrast to the right, which is gaining ground in European politics. Many traditional leftist parties have experienced a decline in voter support, they grapple with internal divisions and fail to connect with younger generations. Additionally, the UK is a prime example of left wing politics being unable to succeed.
Although Labour, a traditionally left-wing party, won the recent 2024 general election, it was described by The Guardian as Starmer winning ‘by shifting to the right.’ Prior to Starmer, the last Labour government elected was Tony Blair, who also undertook a more centrist position. In stark contrast, to the 2019 general election, whereby Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, embodied the traditional leftist approach, and was deemed too radical by the public. This leaves us questioning: does the UK public actually want a truly left-wing party in power?
Conversely, the rise of the right-wing across Europe has gained traction in recent years, capitalising on growing disillusionment with the cur rent political establishment. In Germany, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, which once had no presence in Parliament, has transformed into a formidable force, and is currently the second-most popular party. Fuelled by the backlash of the 2015 refugee crisis, the AfD has exploited fears about immigration and cultural change. The party’s recent increase in popularity manifested significant success in the polling stations, with the recent February 2025 election. The AfD is now the second largest national party, with 20.8% of the vote share, which is more than double than the previous 2021 result of 10.3%. The result of this election demonstrates that right-wing par ties are a force to be reckoned with and this success could mobilise other right-wing EU parties.
As well as Germany, the hard-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) in Austria was poised to form a coalition after winning 26.3% of the vote share, but their bid was overhauled by two other more left-leaning parties. Herbert Kickl, the FPÖ’s leader, has called for a ‘Fortress Austria’, a country free from asylum-seekers and immigrants. This vision is reminiscent of the exclusionary politics that has taken root in other parts of Europe. However, Austria is not alone in this shift. Hungary’s Viktor Orban has become a show piece of the ‘Putinisation’ of central Europe. He has openly aligned his government with Russia’s authoritarian agenda, delaying European sanctions and refusing weapons destined for Ukraine to pass through Hungary. He has created the blueprint for hard-right governance, undermining Euro pean unity. These parties have effectively tapped into the fears and frustrations of citizens, presenting an alternative to the status quo. Their rejection of globalisation, scepticism of the European Union, and emphasis on national sovereignty, has resonated with many voters who feel abandoned by rapid social and economic changes.
One key factor driving the rise of the right in Europe is immigration. The 2015 refugee crisis, where millions fled from battle-scarred countries like Syria and Afghanistan, exposed divisions in Europe over how to respond to the rise of migrants. In Germany, Angela Merkel’s open-door policy to refugees sparked both admiration and back lash. For the far right, the influx of migrants and refugees has heightened the tensions and fears surrounding cultural identity and national security. Right-wing parties have seized upon these anxieties, framing immigration as a threat to social cohesion and economic stability. This strategy has proved effective in rallying support, as many citizens perceive immigration as a direct challenge to their cultural customs. While many left-wing parties shy away from taking a firm stance on immigration for fear of alienating their core supporters, the rise of populism suggests that the status quo is no longer an option.
The implications of this trend toward right-wing populism in Europe has far-reaching global consequences. As European countries grapple with the challenges posed by populist movements, there is an increasing potential for a shift in global politics. For decades, Europe has been a beacon of liberal democracy and human rights. Yet, as the right challenges democratic governance more and more, these policies will start to resonate in other parts of the world. In the US, for instance, right-wing populism has seen a resurgence, with Trump now as President. The rise of these movements sets a dangerous precedent, as the extremist rhetoric becomes normalised and democratic institutions and values are eroded. If the far right becomes entrenched across Europe, it could cause a ripple effect, eroding democratic values on a global scale.
In order to regain relevance, the left must reconnect with its historical roots, while adapting to the contemporary political landscape. Despite these challenges, there remains potential for a left wing comeback in Europe. This requires addressing the legitimate concerns of citizens regarding immigration and economic inequality, while also promoting inclusive policies that echo the sentiments of diverse communities. By confronting the concerns of marginalised communities and rejecting the divisive poli tics of the far right, the left can reassert itself and counter the rise of the right in the coming years.
While the left in Europe has faced significant setbacks, it is far from being obsolete. Although the growing power of right-wing populism may seem like a daunting challenge for left-wing politics, it is important to remember the dynamic nature of political movements. Though the future remains uncertain, there is hope. The rise of the far right presents a wake-up call for leftist movements to rethink their approach, strengthen their foundations and find common ground in an increasingly polarised world. With resilience and adaptation, left-wing politics could shape a more inclusive, progressive Europe for the future.
