Among the purposes that a project like ACC needs to address, a very important one is encouraging a civic conscience that would enable our youth to sensibly negotiate the very real risk posed by antidemocratic ideologies, presenting themselves as seductively rebellious or  —alternatively— as pure “common sense” reacting against an imagined political vacuum brought about by the “weak” mindset of inclusiveness and diversity.

Schools can play a pivotal role in fostering a generation of informed, engaged, and resilient citizens who are better equipped to counteract the appeal of illiberal ideologies. Their challenge is to mitigate this tendency through targeted educational projects.

As of late, Europe has witnessed a significant political shift, with a notable increase in support for far-right parties, particularly among first-time and young voters. This trend has manifested in both national and European elections, raising questions about the underlying causes and potential implications for the continent’s political landscape. Several key factors contribute to this phenomenon, including economic uncertainty, cultural shifts, and disillusionment with traditional political institutions.

According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, economic issues, including unemployment and job insecurity, are among the top concerns for young Europeans. The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these concerns, leaving many feeling left behind by the existing political order.

Illiberal parties have capitalised on these anxieties by promising to prioritise national interests and protect domestic job markets. Far-right parties often frame their economic policies as a defence against globalisation, which they argue has eroded national industries and led to job losses. This narrative resonates with young voters who feel economically marginalised and are seeking alternatives to the status quo.

Cultural factors also play a crucial role in the rise of far-right support,  with far-right parties emphasising issues related to national identity, immigration, and cultural preservation. 

A report by Politico highlights that far-right parties in Europe have effectively mobilised young voters by addressing their concerns about immigration and cultural change. These parties often portray themselves as defenders of traditional values and national heritage, appealing to young voters who feel a strong attachment to their cultural identity.

Disillusionment with traditional political institutions is another significant factor contributing to this trend. Many young people are sceptical of mainstream political parties and feel that their voices are not adequately represented. This disillusionment is reflected in declining voter turnout for traditional parties and increased support for alternative political movements.

The Conversation’s analysis, published ahead of the 2024 European elections, suggests that young Europeans are increasingly turning to far-right parties as a means of expressing their dissatisfaction with the current political system. These parties are perceived as being more responsive to the concerns of ordinary citizens and more willing to challenge the political establishment.

Social media and digital platforms have played a pivotal role in shaping political views, amplifying reactionary narratives. Parties like Vox in Spain have been particularly adept at using social networks to reach young voters, employing sophisticated online campaigns and targeting strategies. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become crucial battlegrounds for political influence, allowing the far right to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and directly engage with young audiences.

France and Germany provide illustrative examples of the broader trend of rising far-right support among young Europeans. In France, the National Rally has seen significant gains. A Time article notes that Marine Le Pen’s party has successfully attracted young supporters by focusing on issues such as national sovereignty, immigration control, and economic protectionism, and promoting in their electoral lists the presence of more youthful and charismatic candidates designed to connect with young voters more effectively than older politicians.

Similarly, in Germany, the AfD has made inroads among young voters by addressing their concerns about immigration and the perceived erosion of German cultural identity. The party’s emphasis on national pride and scepticism of the European Union has resonated with young Germans who feel disillusioned with the mainstream political discourse.

To varying degrees, all of this has been replicated in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Greece.

Addressing this serious problem requires a multifaceted approach, with a strong emphasis on education. Developing and implementing projects that promote civic education can play a crucial role in remedying this tendency; they can equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to participate actively and responsibly in the political process, and they can do so in a number of different fronts.

Civic education programs that cover the workings of democratic institutions, the importance of civic engagement, and the value of diversity and inclusion will promote understanding of how political systems function and the importance of young people’s participation, whereby they can become more informed and engaged citizens.

Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and youth organisations can provide young people with practical experiences in democracy. Programs such as student councils, debate clubs, and community service projects can foster a sense of civic responsibility and active citizenship.

Given the significant role of social media in shaping political views, digital literacy programs are indispensable. These programs can help young people critically evaluate online information, recognize misinformation, and understand the impact of social media on political discourse.

The rising support for far-right parties among young Europeans has significant implications for the future of the EU’s political landscape. If this trend continues, it could lead to a realignment of political power and a shift in policy priorities at both the national and European levels. Illiberal parties may gain more influence in shaping debates on issues such as immigration, national sovereignty, and economic protectionism.

The increased polarisation of European politics that they are keen on exploiting could pose challenges to social cohesion and democratic governance. The rise of illiberalism often brings with it heightened political tensions and a more divisive public discourse, thus undermining efforts to address common challenges, such as climate change, economic inequality, and international cooperation.

See also:

Albena Azmanova. How far-right parties seduced young voters across Europe. The Guardian, 14 June 2024.

Image credit (licensed cc-by-2.0):

Composite; original posted to Flickr by Ed Ogle at https://flickr.com/photos/20980483@N04/31607174604.