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The Inquiry: Can Europe Resist The Rise Of Radical Politics?

Can Europe Resist The Rise Of Radical Politics?

16/12/2014

BBC World Service - The Inquiry, Can Europe Resist The Rise Of Radical Politics?

In France, Spain, Hungary, Italy and elsewhere far right and hard left parties are rising

In France, Spain, Hungary, Italy and elsewhere, far right and hard left parties have gained popular support. Can Europe resist the rise of radical politics?

Swedish politics has for decades been the very model of stability. Not any longer. Earlier this month a far-right party which holds the balance of power in Sweden’s parliament sided with the opposition to defeat the government. A snap election has been called, just months after the government was formed. 

In Greece, where EU-imposed austerity has fuelled extreme politics, the radical left Syriza party could soon have a shot at gaining power. It is already the main opposition.

Elsewhere in Europe – in France, Spain, Hungary, Italy and elsewhere – far right and hard left parties have gained popular support and parliamentary seats, threatening the political centre. Can Europe resist the rise of radical politics?

(Photo: Shadow of Marine Le Pen. Credit: Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images)

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