The Rise of Right-Wing Populism in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands: A New Political Order

Written by Sarya Gulec

The rise of populism on the far right across Europe has been the predominant political wind in recent years, reshaping electoral and executive politics in several nations. Right-wing populist movements, driven by debates on immigration, economic concerns, and dissatisfaction with traditional political institutions, have gained significant traction in Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany. The following overviews each party's rise in its respective country and its implications for European political dynamics.

The right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has experienced a rapid surge in popularity. Initially founded on an anti-Euro campaign, the AfD has evolved into a nationalist and anti-immigration party, particularly favored in former East German regions. In recent elections, the AfD secured 21% of the vote, making it the second-largest party in the Bundestag.

Led by Alice Weidel, the AfD has adopted increasingly extreme policies, including calls for mass deportation of immigrants and a rejection of European Union policies. Establishment politicians have expressed alarm over the party's rhetoric and have debated measures ranging from banning it to addressing its rise through policy shifts. Despite widespread disapproval, the AfD has capitalized on economic discontent, growing anti-immigrant sentiments, and the perceived disconnect between political elites and the general population.

Italy’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation, with the rise of Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d'Italia) under Giorgia Meloni’s leadership. As the dominant right-wing populist party, it has solidified its position by forming a coalition government with nationalist and conservative allies. The party’s ideological foundation is deeply rooted in Italian nationalism, Christian conservatism, and Euroskepticism.

Meloni is a staunch advocate of traditional values and has championed hard-line immigration policies within a nationalist agenda. Italy’s shift to the right is part of a broader European trend where populist politicians position themselves as representatives of the "real people" against Eurocrats and globalized elites. Brothers of Italy’s strong showing in the 2024 European elections underscores the growing appeal of right-wing populism among Italian voters disillusioned with conventional political parties.

The Netherlands has long been a battleground for right-wing populist parties, but the recent victory of Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) is historic. In the November 2023 general elections, the PVV doubled its parliamentary seats, becoming the strongest right-wing populist force in the country.

Wilders, known for his unwavering opposition to Islam, immigration, and the EU, has leveraged public discontent over rising crime and economic insecurity to broaden his party’s appeal. His strategy has resonated with many voters frustrated with establishment policies and seeking a radical alternative. The PVV’s success has forced mainstream parties to reconsider their platforms, ensuring that right-wing populism remains central to Dutch politics.

The rise of right-wing populism in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands has far-reaching implications for European politics. Traditional center-right and center-left parties face mounting pressure to adopt stricter immigration policies and more nationalist rhetoric to regain voter support.

Furthermore, the increasing influence of right-wing populist parties in the European Parliament is poised to shape EU policies on immigration, economic governance, and integration. Their presence will likely intensify political debates and challenge the EU’s long-standing commitment to multilateralism and liberal democratic values.

Right-wing populism is no longer a marginal trend in Europe—it is a transformative force reshaping national and regional politics. The cases of Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands illustrate how economic anxieties, cultural concerns, and political dissatisfaction are driving voter behavior. As these movements continue to gain momentum, European politicians must navigate the challenge of addressing public discontent while safeguarding democratic stability across the continent.

References:

1. Populism Studies. (2024). The spectrum of Italian populist parties in the 2024 European elections: A shift to the right. Retrieved from https://www.populismstudies.org/the-spectrum-of-italian-populist-parties-in-the-2024-european-elections-a-shift-to-the-right

2. The Guardian. (2025). ‘Vicious cycle’: How far-right parties across Europe are cannibalizing the center-right. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/01/vicious-cycle-far-right-parties-across-europe-are-inspiring-imitators

3. Wilson Center. (2024). Right-wing populism succeeds in the Netherlands: What does it mean for the EU? Retrieved from https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/right-wing-populism-succeeds-netherlands-what-does-it-mean-eu

4. Mudde, C. (2023). Populism and the far-right in European democracies: Challenges and consequences. Electoral Studies, 84, 102594. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277539523000079

5. Pew Research Center. (2024). Global elections in 2024: What we learned in a year of political disruption. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2024/12/11/global-elections-in-2024-what-we-learned-in-a-year-of-political-disruption/