World Immigration News

Which of Europe's anti-immigration parties are the most extreme?

Release Date
2025-11-08
Media
The Local
Summary
Across post-war Europe, mainstream parties traditionally kept the far right out of power through political “firewalls.” However, this barrier is weakening. Far-right parties now govern in Hungary and Italy, have joined coalitions in Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands, and are gaining strongly in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. While these parties differ in tone and intensity, they share a focus on restricting immigration, prioritising nationals in welfare and jobs, and tightening citizenship rules.

In France, the National Rally wants to end birthright citizenship and introduce “national preference.” In Sweden, the Sweden Democrats influence government policy, including removing permanent residency and paying refugees to return home. Germany’s AfD pushes for mass deportations, including of Syrian refugees. Spain’s Vox proposes expelling millions of foreigners and limiting foreign property ownership. Italy’s Meloni has moderated somewhat in government, though still backs offshore processing and stricter immigration rules. In Denmark, even mainstream parties have adopted hardline migration policies under pressure from the right.

Overall, the rise of far-right influence has shifted Europe’s political centre of gravity, making tougher immigration policies increasingly mainstream.
Tags
Europe