Far-Right Rise in Europe - The far-right is on the rise across Europe, with parties competing for government or gaining a high number of votes [1][2] - The narrative that immigration and culture are the sole drivers of this rise is a myth [6] - Parties are adopting clever nationalist narratives to capture a broad coalition of voters [6] Voter Demographics and Motivations - One-third of far-right voters in Europe do not report immigration concerns [8] - Economic anxieties related to immigration (job displacement, access to social services) are significant drivers [8][9] - Voters with cultural concerns are a smaller part of the electorate compared to "materialists" (those concerned about economic issues) [10] - Distrust in political and social institutions contributes to far-right support [12] - Opposition to environmental policies, particularly in rural areas, is emerging as a new cleavage [12][13] Party Strategies and Narratives - Far-right parties are employing "civic nationalist narratives" to broaden their appeal [15] - They are shifting the boundaries of toleration by excluding those who do not espouse "liberal democratic values" [16] - This strategy aims to appear more moderate and remove the stigma of extremism [17] Implications and Agency - Copying the far-right on immigration is counterproductive and normalizes them [20] - Parties have agency to shape electoral fortunes and can put forward successful narratives to counter the far-right [20][21] - Opposing parties should expose the far-right's extremism and promote the positive aspects of immigration [21]