French Foreign Minister Calls For Preventing Normalization Of Far-Right Ideas In Europe

Jean-Noël Barrot, France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, has called for preventing the acceptance of far-right ideologies in Europe. He emphasized that democratic forces must not compromise with the far right while addressing the despair and social anger fueling their rise to power. Barrot's comments came after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's convincing victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, reflecting a wave of far-right sentiments throughout Europe.

The AfD's platform, according to Barrot, is a betrayal of the European spirit, encompassing historical revisionism, anti-immigrant policies, and media control. He stressed the need to resist the normalization of far-right ideas, which have led Europe to ruin and disgrace in the past. Barrot called for acknowledging the underlying causes of the growing appeal of radical political forces, such as social discontent and a loss of control.

He warned that failing to respond to this widespread anger could result in the worst-case scenario. In the September 6 election, the AfD secured 43.8% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, a significant increase from the 2021 election. The party did not achieve an absolute majority, falling three seats short of forming a government alone.

Germany's constitutional authorities classify the AfD's state branch in Saxony-Anhalt as a right-wing extremist group. The party opposes financial aid to Ukraine and calls for lifting sanctions against Russia. Following the AfD's success, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the triumph of Germany's far right, labeling those who rejoice as "idiots or traitors."