Far-Right Surge in Europe Sparks Migration Debate

A surge in support for far-right parties across Europe is intensifying debates on migration, VOA revealed in an article yesterday.

In Austria, the Freedom Party, led by Herbert Kickl, captured nearly 29% of the vote in recent elections, advocating for stringent immigration policies labeled “Fortress Austria.” This trend mirrors similar victories by far-right parties in the Netherlands, Italy, and Hungary.

Political analysts note that centrist parties are increasingly adopting tougher stances on immigration to counter the far-right’s influence. An upcoming EU summit on October 17 is expected to prioritize asylum law reforms amid growing domestic pressures.

The hardening of attitudes marks a sharp turnaround from 2015 when over 1 million irregular migrants entered the EU. In 2023, the number fell by 75%, to 280,000 people. The EU has agreed to a new pact on asylum and migration, set to take effect in 2026, but experts warn that implementing these changes will be highly ambitious.