Europe’s far-right political parties, including France’s National Rally and Italy’s Brothers of Italy, unofficially launched their campaign for the European Union elections in Spain with strong messages against illegal migration, the EU’s climate policy, and in support of Israel’s war against Hamas. Leaders like Marine Le Pen and Giorgia Meloni tried to rally voters at an event organized by Spain’s far-right Vox party in Madrid. The upcoming EU parliamentary elections on June 6-9 are seen as a potential platform for the far-right to gain more influence across the bloc.
The defense of the EU’s borders was a key theme during the event, with leaders like André Ventura advocating for stronger borders in Europe to control the influx of Islamic and Muslim immigrants. Meloni defended Italy’s policies of reaching agreements with third countries to curb illegal immigration, while Le Pen called for reforms in the Schengen area to allow individual countries to control their borders. The unity of the far-right was emphasized by Vox’s president, Santiago Abascal, who called for a global alliance of patriots to defend common sense, economic prosperity, security, and freedom against globalism.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei spoke out against socialism during the event, warning that it goes against human nature and leads to slavery or death. Supporters at the event cheered on messages against the European Green Deal and in support of farm workers. The event also showed solidarity with Israel in its conflict with Hamas. Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, was in attendance, along with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Poland’s former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki who spoke via video screen.
Meanwhile, left-wing activists were demonstrating against fascism in the city center of Madrid during the event. Protesters expressed concerns over the rise of fascism and the far-right in Europe, with one activist referencing Hitler’s victory and the danger to democracy. The event highlighted the growing divide between the far-right and left-wing groups in Europe, with the upcoming EU elections set to determine the political direction of the continent. The influence of the far-right is expected to be a key factor in the election results across the 27 EU nations.
