Trump may be toxic and Orbán is gone, but Europe’s far right is not in decline
Let’s not draw the wrong conclusions from Hungary’s election or the US president’s troubles
TL;DR
- Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule ended due to Hungary's economic situation and corruption, not a rejection of his far-right policies.
- The European far right is not in decline; parties remain in government and lead polls in several EU states.
- The normalization and mainstreaming of far-right ideas continue, with center-right parties collaborating with and adopting positions from the far right.
- Donald Trump's influence on the far right is fluid; while currently a 'liability' due to extreme actions, his anti-establishment and immigration stances can boost his appeal.
- Trump's extreme behavior allows European far-right leaders to appear moderate, aiding their acceptance.