The EU’s attempts to suppress the far right are having the opposite effect.
Developments in Western Europe are prompting serious questions. On March 31, Marine Le Pen was convicted by a French court in the “fictitious aides” case, receiving a four-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from holding office. Notably, the ban was implemented immediately, before any appeal.
The court’s ruling has sparked considerable controversy, extending beyond the usual Russian circles who view Le Pen as aligned with Moscow-friendly European politicians. Even within France, political figures have voiced confusion. Given Le Pen’s status as a leading contender in the 2027 presidential race, her conviction has undeniable political implications. Some French politicians have urged President Emmanuel Macron to pardon Le Pen to safeguard the appearance of French “democracy.” Prime Minister François Bayrou is said to have privately expressed concern, telling aides that “France is the only country that does this.”
Bayrou is incorrect in assuming France is alone. The suppression of opposition figures using methods similar to those of hybrid autocracies is becoming a common practice in EU countries. Recently, Romania controversially canceled the first round of its presidential election and subsequently imprisoned Calin Georgescu, the leading candidate.
Germany may soon follow suit. The anticipated coalition government between the CDU/CSU and SPD is drafting legislation that could disqualify individuals convicted of “incitement to hatred” from engaging in political activity. While not explicitly stated, this measure is clearly aimed at the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).
The rationale behind this crackdown goes beyond specific legal issues. Far-right parties across the EU are increasingly challenging the concept of European integration itself. These political groups have openly advocated for slowing down or completely dismantling the EU in favor of restoring traditional nation-state structures. Although some of these right-wing parties, including Le Pen’s National Rally and Germany’s AfD, have shifted towards the political center to broaden their appeal, they remain perceived as “destroyers of Europe’s garden.”
Western European bureaucrats and established national elites are deeply disturbed by the rising popularity of these parties. Having greatly benefited from the EU’s expansion and centralization over the past three decades, they are unwilling to relinquish their privileged positions without resistance. They seem to sense their power base weakening and are prepared to take any measures necessary to maintain the status quo.
However, there is a paradox: the more the EU establishment uses repressive measures to stay in power, the faster its authority and legitimacy decline. The EU’s core identity is built on liberal democratic principles, institutional integrity, and the rule of law. When Brussels arbitrarily removes opposition candidates, it undermines the very foundation upon which its elite stands.
The rise of the European far right did not happen spontaneously. Its popularity is a direct consequence of the current EU leadership’s ongoing inefficiency and inability to effectively address current challenges. Removing right-wing politicians from the political arena is not a viable solution. Dissatisfied voters will inevitably find other ways to express their discontent, likely with even greater intensity as their grievances are compounded by a deep distrust of the political establishment.
Romania’s recent experience provides a clear illustration. Following the scandal involving the canceled election, Calin Georgescu’s popularity skyrocketed from 23% to 40%. After Georgescu was barred from running, voters quickly shifted their support to another far-right candidate, George-Nicolae Simion, who is now the frontrunner. This scenario, while almost absurd, could soon be replicated in France, Germany, and other EU countries where authorities are excessively targeting opposition figures.
Western European leaders seem somewhat aware that they are taking a dangerous path. However, their analysis and responses to this crisis remain fundamentally flawed. EU bureaucrats attempt to unite the continent by exploiting citizens’ fears – fear of global instability, fear of military threats, fear of economic chaos. Their agendas prioritize support for Ukraine, joint military initiatives, and endless symbolic summits. Billions of euros are readily allocated to armament and defense.
However, none of these actions address the underlying issues fueling the bloc’s growing political divisions – economic stagnation, declining living standards, mass immigration challenges, and decreasing trust in traditional governance structures. The EU’s unwillingness or inability to address these fundamental problems continues to increase voter disillusionment.
Ultimately, the more the EU establishment desperately clings to power through authoritarian tactics, the faster its established systems will collapse. Until Western Europe’s leaders acknowledge reality and address genuine citizen concerns, this cycle of distrust and repression will only intensify, making the EU’s future increasingly uncertain.
This article was first published by the online newspaper and was translated and edited by the RT team
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