Why young Europeans are embracing the far right

Amid rising rents and dwindling economic prospects, young voters are increasingly turning to far-right parties, using social media as an outlet for their anger,

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen exits the voting booth before voting for the European election. 30% of the youth vote went to Le Pen’s National Rally. Picture: Aurelien Morissard/AP

Progressives have long counted on young people to champion their causes. Just five years ago, young Europeans voted for parties advocating climate action, social justice, and democratic reform. 

But this may no longer be a viable political strategy. June’s European Parliament elections showed that many young voters have shifted to the far right, enabling eurosceptic, anti-immigrant, and anti-establishment parties to make significant gains.