Over the past few years, the political establishment in Europe has seen a new wave of challenges that threatening their long-lasting power. The liberals' monopoly in European politics may finally come to an end here in the next two years. This threat comes from a rising popularity in centre-right, right-wing, and far-right parties all across the continent. The gains of support the right has experienced can be blamed largely on the ongoing migrant crisis. From France to Sweden, conservative parties are gathering support like nothing seen before.

The Cause

While there are definitely more economic and social issues that may contribute, I believe the mass immigration of refugees and migrants to Europe is the main issue fueling the right's rise. Ever since the Syrian Civil War began, there have been millions of Middle Eastern and African migrants seeking to find a new life in Europe. Although certainly not unheard of, this route of migration was, up until now, only ever taken by high skilled, middle and upper class families. However, the worsening of religious, ethnic and political conflicts in already unstable regions of the world have made many flee their home country.

Being an American, I do believe that anyone should have the opportunity to better themselves and their livelihood. However, the majority people trying to enter Europe, whether they are asylum seeker, refugees, migrants, etc., have little to no money when they arrive. This makes it the job of the European countries to take care of them through welfare programs, which Europe overall is known to have some of the world's most generous. The influx, though, of millions of people dependent on the state for basic necessities has started to strain the resources of these welfare systems.

The problems of the migrant crisis do not stop there. With a mass amount of foreigners entering these countries, they encounter almost a whole new world. The laws are different, the culture is nothing that have even heard of, and even the weather patterns are almost the complete opposite of what they are used to back home. This cultural difference has seemed, unfortunately, to impede greatly in peacefully and quickly assimilating into their new home. As a result, the refugees have came into conflict with the natives. Crime rates have rose in areas taking in migrants, with social unrest growing as a result. The crime caused by the newcomers does not set well with the average Frenchman or German. Worse of all, the all-too-common terroristic attacks carried out by members of these foreign groups has made many see them as more of a serious problem than anything else.

However, despite the very clear and serious issues that arise from the migrants, the majority establishment parties reassure the public that there is nothing to worry about. Despite the calming words, the public isn't buying it. A distaste for the establishment has then grown a desire for change, for solutions, for new ways of doing things. For millions across Europe, this desire has been shown at the ballot box. If the left will not curb the problems stemming from the migrant crisis, then the right will make sure the public knows that it will, if they are given the chance.

The Rise

The surge in support for right-wing politics can be seen in countries that are most affected by the migrant situation. These countries also tend to have a strong welfare program and powerful economies. There are five particular countries that are prime examples of how the right is rising Europe. These would be Germany, France, Sweden, Austria, and the Netherlands. Although they are experiencing similar situations, a breakdown of each country's current political climate is needed to better understand their specific circumstances.

Germany

Germany has taken in the largest amount of migrant, with well over 1 million entering the country legally and illegally. Like the other nations on this list, Germany has seen a sharp rise in crime as a result of accepting these migrants. This has led to the rise of the right-wing party Alternative for Germany. The party was formed in 2013, but has seen rise in popularity despite its young age.

In the 2013 federal election, the AfD received 4.7% of the vote, just below the 5% threshold to qualify to enter the Bundestag, the German parliament.
In 2014, the AfD received 7.1% of the vote in the election for European Parliament, taking 7 out of the 96 seats Germany has.
In state parliament elections from 2013-2017, the AfD has gotten anywhere from 4.1% to 24.4% of the vote, gaining many seats in the state parliaments, or Landtags.
From recent polling data, the party has garnered support from 7% to 9% of respondents in nationwide polls.

The next federal election for Germany is scheduled for September 24th of 2017.

France

The nation known for wine and snail-related cuisine has recently been in the news for major terrorist attacks. There has seemed to be no shortage of mourning when it comes to the French people and dealing with the results of the migrant crisis. As a result, the National Front party has seen a resurgence in popularity unseen since the 1990s. They have taken strong stances on halting immigration and cracking down on Islam The party made headlines when they finished second in the 1st round voting of the presidential elections this past April and May.

In the 2017 presidential election, the National Front took home 21.3% of the vote, coming in 2nd place and moving onto the second round. In the second round, they got 33.9% of the vote, the most they have ever gotten in a presidential election.
In the ongoing National Assembly elections, the NF received 13.2% of the vote, most they have gotten since 1997.
In the 2014 French European Parliament elections, the NF received 24.9% of the vote, taking home 24 out of France's 74 seats and becoming the largest party French party in the European Parliament.

Sweden

Sweden has been rocked by an influx of migrants who wise to take part in their generous welfare programs. This has caused an economic burden on the state, as well as gave way to increased crime rates in cities such as Stockholm and Malmö. The public's concern in solving the immigrant issue has seen a rise in support for the Sweden Democrats. The right-wing party, formed in 1988, has only gained seats in the last two elections, with polling data suggest their recent surge in popularity is only going to grow.

In the 2014 general election, the Sweden Democrats obtained 12.9% of the vote, adding 29 seats to the 20 they had acquired in the previous election.
In the 2014 European Parliament elections, the SD got 9.7% of the vote, acquiring 2 out of Sweden's 20 seats.
The two elections have seen the SD perform far better than they have previously done.
Recent polling data has shown 19% to 25% of respondents supporting the SD, which in some cases is more than the majority party, the Social Democratic Party.

Sweden's next general election is set for September 9th of 2018.

Austria

The seat of the former Hapsburg Empire has seen less unrest from migrants than that of Germany or France. However, the country is still a major gateway, and also a potential home to refugees entering Europe. With crime overall rising as a result, the people have turned to supporting the Austrian People's Party, a centre-right party, Freedom Party of Austria, a more far-right party, in hopes of quelling their newfound problems. Both parties have seen a surge in the polls in recent years.

In the 2013 Austrian legislative elections, the Austria People's Party (ÖVP) obtained 23.99% of the vote, coming in 2nd place. The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) garnered 20.51% of the vote, coming in 3rd place.
Recent polling has shown the ÖVP getting 31% to 34% of respondents support while the FPÖ, despite a drop in the polls in mid-May, receives 24% to 26% of public support.

Austria is set to have their next legislative election on October 15th of 2017.

The Netherlands

The Dutch have been witnesses and victims of the migrant crisis as well. Although not a large nation, the Netherlands has attracted poor migrants with their generous system of welfare benefits. This has caused the usual problems seen throughout Europe, with increased crime rates in major cities being one of them. The Dutch people, although in no large way, started to throw their support behind the Party for Freedom, a far-right party that wants to solve the immigration problem through policies such as shutting down Islamic schools and banning the Quran.

In the 2012 Dutch general election, the Party for Freedom (PVV) received 10.1% of the vote and holding 15 seats in the House of Representatives of the Netherlands.
In the 2017 Dutch general election, the PVV obtained 13.1% of the vote, adding 5 seats to give them a total of 20 seats in the 150 seat body.

Conclusion

The political scene in Europe is one of a shifting tide. Due to the migrant crisis, parties on the right side of the spectrum have gathering support that seemed unimaginable in a continent dominated by socialism and welfare states. The future of European politics not only falls in the hands these parties with newfound power, but also with the weakened establishment. If the traditional establishment parties want to preserve their majorities and their vote counts, then they will have to adapt to the needs of the voters. These needs seem to be, in large part, directed at solving the ongoing migrant crisis. If change is not made in their policies, then the elites of the past will cease to be the leaders of the present.