Nationalist Parties Gain Ground in Europe Amid Rising Discontent

AMSTERDAM — Nationalist parties are on the verge of gaining significant power across Europe, fueled by a decade of growing frustration over mass immigration, housing shortages, and the high cost of living. In 2021, countries such as Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Belgium were led by moderate politicians who had dominated Western European politics since World War II. However, in just four years, nationalist parties have shifted from the political margins to a position where they could lead some of the continent's largest economies.

The traditional political establishment is struggling to maintain relevance as populist and nationalist movements become the preferred choice for conservatives, disillusioned youth, and those who feel neglected by mainstream parties. What began as protest votes have transformed into a formidable political force.

In the Netherlands, a snap election is scheduled for this month, and the nationalist right is expected to emerge as the dominant political force. Just two years ago, the Party for Freedom (PVV), led by Geert Wilders, won the most seats in the Dutch parliament. The PVV is known for its strong nationalist stance and opposition to mass immigration and multiculturalism. After the 2023 election, the PVV attempted to form a government but faced challenges, leading to the collapse of their coalition earlier this year.

Current polls indicate that the once-powerful People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), a moderate center-right party, is likely to experience its weakest performance since the 1970s. The PVV's main competition on the right is from JA21, another nationalist party. Together, the PVV and JA21 are projected to secure nearly half of the seats in the Dutch parliament.

In Europe’s proportional electoral systems, where parties must form alliances to achieve a governing majority, efforts to exclude these nationalist parties from power in 2025 may only delay their rise. Key issues for Dutch voters include housing, immigration, and healthcare, while concerns about climate change have significantly decreased, dropping from about 30% of the electorate in 2023 to around 19% today.

Frustrations over immigration have escalated, leading to anti-immigration riots in The Hague, which caused extensive damage to the parliamentary complex. Wilders expressed his views on social media, stating, "The biggest threat is that for decades we have welcomed people from other parts of the world where violence, inequality and lack of freedom dominate, with open borders and mass immigration in Europe."

Despite being criticized by mainstream journalists and politicians, Wilders' rhetoric resonates with a large audience, and public support for his political style is growing. In 2022, over five million migrants arrived in the EU, followed by 4.3 million in 2023. Surveys indicate that many Europeans are resistant to the cultural changes resulting from this influx and the competition for low-skill jobs amid stagnant wages and rising inflation.

The failure of the EU's political establishment to effectively address mass immigration and the cost of living has eroded their legitimacy, leaving a vacuum that nationalist parties are eager to fill.