Why More Young Europeans are Turning to Far-Right and Populist Parties?

In recent years, far-right and populist parties have been gaining more and more young voters across Europe. Examples of this can be seen in countries such as Italy, Germany, France, Hungary, and Bulgaria. As a young European familiar with history and following politics today, this statistic definitely worries me. I believe we are seriously underestimating the growing problem that is emerging on the continent, and one day it could cost us dearly. The “symptoms” we observe now are only the early stage of an epidemic that is yet to come. An epidemic of disinformation, populism, and a divided society.

Iconomic Factors

I explain the rise in trust toward these parties through a number of factors. But let us first look at the economic one. After the COVID pandemic, and later the conflict in Ukraine, the prices of products in stores rose sharply. Inflation affected not only basic goods such as bread and eggs but also significantly increased the bills that ordinary people must pay.

High prices have impacted people’s daily lives, and one of the biggest problems in Europe has become the inability to find housing. The reason is either rents that are too high or a supply far too small compared to demand. All of this, combined with unemployment in certain sectors, has contributed to people desperately believing in populist statements and promises that guarantee everything but a better future.

Politicians representing far-right parties wait precisely for such moments, when a global problem or an economic crisis to emerge, so they can blame the government and win votes on the backs of suffering people. They immediately start making promises to lower prices, fix diplomatic relations, and solve long-standing problems, but the moment they come to power, all of this is forgotten.

Social and Cultural Factors

Another factor that drives people to unconsciously turn to far-right parties is the fear they feel toward the new and toward change. Across Europe, especially in larger cities, many people are beginning to rise up and express frustration with the rapid pace of migration. Many locals do not feel secure, they feel threatened and irritated by these inflows of people, which disrupt their everyday lives. Multiculturalism, which we observe in cities like Paris, London, and Barcelona, may not bother us as much when we are merely tourists, but the majority of local residents have a different view on this toopic. They are uncomfortable with large numbers of refugees arriving without proper documents, without a willingness to work, and choosing these countries mainly, because of the generous social benefits offered.

In their state of fear, triggered by the swift changes to the old order and way of life, people become increasingly susceptible to false slogans, some of them extremely radical, others almost utopian in their promises.

But lets look at one method populists love to use. The wepon of todays propaganda, social media, which allows them to connect directly with the younger audience. During election campaigns, politicians are highly active online, spreading messages through ads, videos, and other forms of digital outreach. A recent example of this was Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, which, despite various sociological forecasts, managed to succeed and has now secured him a second term in the office.

Distrust of Authority

History always reminds us that every action creates its own reaction. Today, Europe relies on over-tolerance and open policies, but constant contradictions, corruption scandals, and unresolved internal problems have slowly eroded people’s trust in their leaders. When governments fail to deliver stability or to speak with a clear voice, citizens start searching for something or anything that feels new and different from the system they know.

Unfortunately, what often appears as an “alternative” is rarely the real solution. Far-right and populist parties feed on this frustration, offering quick answers, emotional slogans, and a sense of belonging while hiding empty promises. Instead of solving social and economic challenges, they thrive on spreading lies, creating division, and deepening the very crises they claim to fight. Europe’s overconfidence in endless tolerance only accelerates this cycle, paving the way for movements that will not bring peace or progress, but more tension and a fractured society.