Stories
Far-Right Gains Ground Across Europe as Fuel Protests Erupt Ahead of Elections
- •Soaring fuel and living costs driven by geopolitical conflicts have triggered widespread protests and civil unrest across France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
- •Far-right parties in France, Germany, Italy, and Poland are surging in the polls by capitalizing on public anger over inflation and high energy prices.
- •Politicians like Marine Le Pen in France and the AfD in Germany are gaining traction by demanding tax cuts on fuel and advocating for the restoration of energy ties with Russia.
Key Questions Answered
The US-Iran war that erupted in February has driven energy prices sharply higher, causing gas prices to jump about 140% and diesel prices to double. The European Commission estimates this conflict has cost Europe roughly €100 billion through disrupted trade and energy markets.
Rising fuel prices have become a central plank in Marine Le Pen's campaign for the upcoming presidential election. Her proposal to sharply cut value-added tax on fuel has attracted broad public support, boosting her ratings while incumbent President Emmanuel Macron's popularity has slipped.
Far-right parties like Germany's AfD are pushing to restore energy ties and resume imports of Russian oil and gas, arguing that Berlin's support for Ukraine is self-sabotaging. Similar arguments are being made by leaders in Italy and Poland to counter soaring living costs.
