“Fascism, which we thought we had left behind, is now Europe’s third largest political force,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. At a ceremony marking 50 years since Franco’s death, he underlined this statement. In his inaugural address, he warned of the danger of a potential reversal of democracy in the wake of the rise of fascism and authoritarian ideals in Europe. When European prime ministers fear the return of fascism on European soil, it is a clear indication of the current political situation that is being overcome across Europe. Some may see this speech and fear as simply a safe statement or a political statement to maintain national unity and keep the ball in the court against opponents. However, the reality is completely different. Despite the unprecedented rise in popularity of the far right in Europe, the fear remains real. History buffs may also empathize with the anxiety caused by the current political situation in Austria and Germany, two European countries with long histories of fascism.
In Austria, the far-right Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) is calling for a coalition government. And in Germany, the far-right party Alternative for Germany is turning its attention to the Bundestag. The two allies were allies in both world wars. At first, they were allied as an empire. Germany then annexed and incorporated Austria until 1945. These two cases are the main samples of the winds of change in Europe, and there is no doubt that there is a juicy fascist smell in those winds.
Parliamentary elections were held in Austria on September 29, 2024. For the first time since World War II, far-right parties won a majority, about 28%. The Conservative People’s Party came in second place with 26% of the vote. Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen has ordered the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) to form a coalition government after an attempt by former Chancellor Karl Nehammer, leader of the Conservative People’s Party, completely collapsed. Ta. In September, FPO leader Herbert Kickle praised voters for their optimism and courage. He may not have been able to form a government then, but his party is in the driver’s seat of Austria’s political train.
In Germany, elections will be held in February. On November 7, 2024, Scholz dismissed the finance minister from the Free Democratic Party (FDP), one of the three parties that formed the coalition government. As a result, the government collapsed. The final nail in the coffin was decided when the chancellor and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Olaf Scholz, lost a vote of no confidence. On December 16, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a vote of confidence in the German parliament. 116 people abstained, resulting in a 394-207 loss. And the next election is scheduled for February 23, 2025, almost seven weeks earlier than the entire term of the government.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD), which became the third major party in the 2021 elections, is participating in this election and will be seen as a decisive and historic “new beginning” party in the February elections. has been done. Some analysts, who carry the stigma of a far-right ideology best known for its association with Germany’s neo-Nazi parties, are inherently concerned about the AfD’s huge popularity in Germany, particularly in the east. That’s obvious. A political party aligned with neo-Nazis can never be a political party whose intentions are guaranteed or restrained.
So, can these two far-right parties be considered fascist sympathizers or enablers of fascism?
What is fascism? Basically, the idea is “an organically unified community of nations that embodies a belief in strength through unity.” It has been tagged as anti-liberal, anti-rational, anti-communist, etc. Ironically, fascism is an ideology that is considered an anti-personal ideology. Sometimes it is even questioned as an ideology. The last European fascist was General Franco. In the 21st century, neo-fascism broke out in Europe. This is especially true in Central European countries. Some people call authoritarianism and totalitarianism fascism. However, that’s not all. Illiberal democracies like Hungary are also seen as far-right, Eurosceptic states. This is the fact that traditional fascism is unrealizable in modern Europe (if we only take Europe as a case). Nevertheless, neofascism, cloaked with far-right manifestations, can be called modern fascism. Its main characteristics are based on anti-immigrant, racist, ultra-nationalist and right-wing populism. In most cases, far-right governments follow liberalism in only one area: the economy. Some argue that we don’t even have a fully liberal economy. What they follow is tax regulations or cuts in government spending. However, the Austrian Freedom Party does not advocate a perfect classical liberal economy.
Already, some European governments have acquired reputations as far-right regimes. Hungary, led by Viktor Orban, is often used as an example of a far-right government. In 2022, Giorgia Meloni became Prime Minister of Italy. She led the Italian Brothers, which have been designated as anti-immigrant, populist and violators of freedom of expression. In October 2022, the government approved a decree providing for up to six years’ imprisonment for illegal parties and gatherings. This decree brought a great deal of criticism around the world. Nevertheless, she was not able to fully adhere to her stated policy. Italy was once a nation led by Benito Mussolini, a renowned fascist known for gross human rights violations and war crimes. One of the central figures of World War II. There are four other European countries that have recently fallen under the wing of the far-right camp.
However, the situation is different in Austria and Germany than in other states. Germany is Europe’s strongest economic power. Austria has always been a respected democratic power in Central Europe. This sudden far-right revolt has raised eyebrows among world leaders. The core principles followed by far-right parties have become clear. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) manifesto did not hide the intentions of the far-right alliance, and even after the collapse of the Scholz coalition, they voiced their position loudly. They elected co-leader Alice Weidel as prime minister. Back in 2013, Weidel’s emails were leaked. If she makes racist and anti-democratic statements. “The reason culturally alien peoples such as Arabs, Sinti, and Roma are overrunning us is the systematic destruction of civil society as a countermeasure against the enemies of the constitution by which we are governed. ” The main areas highlighted in the recent AfD manifesto are:
Strict anti-immigration policies The AfD is seeking a path to Brexit, or Germany’s exit from the EU, as the most extreme measure to deal with the EU. Wende) and claims it is leading the way in renewable energy policy. We face rising energy prices and economic hardship.
The election manifesto has not yet been made public. Nevertheless, the policies they have maintained since 2013 remain completely intact. In a recent interview with Elon Musk, Alice Weidel asserted her far-right principles. Not sending weapons to Ukraine, returning to nuclear energy, etc. Critics say the AfD may not be able to form a government on its own. They won a provisional seat in East Germany and certainly now have a major stake in the state. They are currently in second place in the polls and are trying to control Germany’s future.
The far-right position of the Austrian Freedom Party (FPÖ) has a more welfare-oriented economy. They emerged for a free market economy, but conditions apply. Although this may be at odds with a more market-oriented strategy, the FPÖ supports maintaining or strengthening the social safety net, especially in terms of welfare and social programs for Austrian citizens. Overall, the party’s protectionist and nationalist views make it more economically populist than strictly liberal, although there are aspects (such as tax cuts) that may appeal to economically liberal voters. It becomes.
To sum up the whole debacle, all of Europe is under a fever wave of far-right extremism, which is clearly a direct threat to the principles that European countries live by. Will the AfD become a core part of German politics, like the Austrian Freedom Party? Will many other countries join the far-right camp like these new members? Only time can yield the answers.
