Politics
Marine Le Pen won French presidency as right-wing parties surged
Spain's People's party claimed parliament and an AfD-backed coalition installed a new state premier in Germany.
Marine Le Pen was elected president of France in the 2026 election. The incumbent president Emmanuel Macron continued in office, as his term did not end before 2027. Candidate David Lisnard failed to qualify for the second round of the ballot. The outcome was confirmed on Monday.
The People's party won the Spanish general election. The party secured a majority of seats in the Congress of Deputies. The victory gave the PP the ability to form a government.
After the 2026 state election, parties negotiated a coalition that depended on Alternative for Germany support. The coalition secured a parliamentary majority in the state legislature. Consequently, a new state Prime Minister was elected with AfD backing.
These three outcomes illustrated a wave of right-wing successes across Europe in 2026. Each result emerged from separate national elections held in that year. The victories placed right-wing parties in control of executive or legislative branches in their respective jurisdictions.
Spain's PP now heads the national government.
Analysis
Her victory follows a broader continental trend where right-wing parties have captured key offices, suggesting coordinated voter sentiment or reaction to shared issues such as security and national identity.
Spain's People's party gaining parliamentary control reverses the previous centre-left administration and may lead to changes in fiscal policy, regional autonomy debates, and Spain's stance within the EU. The PP's majority simplifies legislative action, but it also places the party under scrutiny for delivering on campaign promises amid a fragmented European landscape.
By supporting a state premier, the AfD gains a foothold in governance, which could affect regional policy on immigration, education, and law enforcement, and may embolden similar alliances elsewhere.
Together, these outcomes create a political environment where right-wing parties hold significant sway in multiple major European democracies. This concentration of power may affect EU decision-making, particularly on issues where member states have divergent priorities, and could prompt reactions from centrist and left-wing parties seeking to counterbalance the new dynamics.
Background consulted for the analysis
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