Rising fuel prices fuel European far-right gains ahead of elections

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 13:08 · Archive

Rising fuel prices across Europe are driving cost-of-living protests and bolstering far-right parties ahead of elections next year.

Rising fuel costs are piling pressure on households and businesses across Europe, fuelling cost-of-living protests and bolstering far-right parties ahead of elections next year in France, Italy and Poland. Some far-right parties are calling for a return to Russian energy. Parties once considered fringe have gained ground with voters in rural areas and former Communist regions looking for alternatives.

The escalation has been compounded by the US-Iran war, which erupted in February and sent energy prices sharply higher. The European Commission estimates the conflict has cost Europe roughly €100 billion through disrupted trade and energy markets. This has challenged governments already struggling to contain inflation, support growth and rein in spending.

The discontent has spilled onto the streets. In France, demonstrations that began over deteriorating school facilities in Paris's northern suburbs have morphed into widespread unrest, with shops looted, buildings torched and a 19th-century town hall in Limoges set on fire. Farmers have also protested, with tractors arriving in towns across Europe to register their grievances over fuel costs squeezing their operations.

How it is being reported

• As France erupts, Europe’s far right gains from fuel-price anger ahead of electionsThe European Commission estimates the Iran conflict has cost Europe roughly €100 billion ($112 billion) through disrupted trade and energy markets.The Japan Times · 20 Oct, 12:17
• Anger at rising fuel prices bolsters Europe's far right as unrest sweeps FranceRising fuel costs are piling pressure on households, businesses and governments across Europe, fuelling cost-of-living protests and bolstering the far right ahead of elections next year in countries including France, Italy and Poland. Some far-right parties are calling for a return to Russian energy.France 24 · 20 Oct, 08:28

In this story: France · Italy · Poland · Europe · European Commission · Iran · United States

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