I read prophecy as pictures of the future. There is no way to tell what comes first and how the pictures all line up. Like the Scriptures told of Jesus’ life, from Nazareth, out of Egypt, riding a foal to enter Jerusalem, coins thrown in a Temple to buy a potter’s field could only be determined AFTER they happened.
Revelation and Daniel speak of a 10-nation union in Europe that shakes the world. When and how is not known so I look for events describing how this could be coming together.
DAN. 7:23 “Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it.
DAN. 7:24 ‘As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. REV. 17:12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.
REV. 17:13 “These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast.
Europe’s political landscape is significantly transforming, marked by a shift towards right-wing ideologies. This change was most evident in the recent European Union elections, where center-right and far-right parties have made substantial gains in countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland. This trend signifies a departure from the liberal values traditionally associated with the EU, indicating a profound shift in the continent’s political sphere.
The French Shift: National Rally’s Rise
In France, the far-right National Rally achieved a decisive victory that led to a major political upheaval. President Emmanuel Macron, in response to the overwhelming success of the National Rally, dissolved the French parliament and called for early elections. Early results indicated that the National Rally would secure around 32% of the vote, significantly surpassing the president’s party.
This shift in France is particularly significant given the country’s historical resistance to far-right ideologies. France has long prided itself on its commitment to liberal democracy and human rights, making the rise of the National Rally a notable departure from this tradition. The party’s platform, which emphasizes nationalism, stricter immigration controls, and skepticism towards the EU, resonates with a substantial portion of the French electorate who feel left behind by globalization and disillusioned with the current political establishment.
Germany’s Political Realignment
Germany also experienced a significant rightward shift, with the center-right party achieving a comfortable victory. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured second place, surpassing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats. The AfD’s rise in Germany is particularly noteworthy given the country’s historical context. Post-World War II Germany has been vigilant in avoiding the resurgence of extremist ideologies. However, the AfD’s platform, which includes anti-immigration policies, Euroscepticism, and a focus on German national identity, has found a receptive audience among voters dissatisfied with the status quo. This shift represents a significant challenge to Germany’s political stability and its role as a leading proponent of EU integration.
Italy’s Embrace of the Right
In Italy, the rightward shift has been embodied by Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing party, which garnered about 28% support. This result highlights the growing appeal of right-wing ideologies in one of Europe’s largest economies. Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy, traces its roots to post-World War II neofascism but has successfully rebranded itself to appeal to a broader electorate. The party’s emphasis on national sovereignty, anti-immigration policies, and conservative social values has resonated with many Italian voters who feel alienated by the traditional political parties.
Meloni’s rise to prominence is a testament to her strategic political maneuvering. She has managed to distance her party from its more extreme elements while maintaining a hardline stance on key issues such as immigration and national identity.
Spain’s Far-Right Surge
Spain has also seen a rise in far-right support, exemplified by the Vox party’s significant gains. Founded almost a decade ago, Vox has become the third-largest party in Spain’s national assembly and has doubled its vote in recent regional and municipal elections. The party’s platform includes strong nationalist rhetoric, anti-immigration policies, and a commitment to traditional Spanish values. Vox’s success in striking deals with the center-right People’s Party (PP) to form governing coalitions in several regions highlights the increasing normalization of far-right parties within Spain’s political landscape.
Vox’s rise is particularly noteworthy in the context of Spain’s recent history. The country transitioned to democracy in the late 1970s after decades of dictatorship under Francisco Franco. The resurgence of far-right ideologies in Spain reflects broader societal concerns about national identity, economic uncertainty, and cultural change.
The Netherlands: Fragmented and Fraught
In the Netherlands, populist and nationalist parties hold a significant number of seats, reflecting the fragmented nature of Dutch politics. Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV), Thierry Baudet’s Forum for Democracy (FvD), and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) have all made notable gains. These parties capitalize on issues such as immigration, EU skepticism, and government environmental policies, resonating with voters who feel disenfranchised by the traditional political establishment.
Hungary and Poland: Strongholds of the Far Right
Hungary and Poland have long been considered strongholds of far-right ideologies within the EU. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has dominated the political landscape for over a decade. Orbán’s government has implemented policies that limit press freedom, weaken judicial independence, and curtail civil liberties. These actions have drawn criticism from the EU, but Orbán’s anti-immigration stance and nationalist rhetoric continue to resonate with a substantial portion of the Hungarian electorate.
In Poland, the Law and Justice Party (PiS) has maintained its grip on power by promoting conservative social policies, Euroscepticism, and a strong stance against immigration. The party’s emphasis on Polish national identity and traditional values has garnered significant support, particularly in rural areas and among older voters. Both Hungary and Poland illustrate how far-right ideologies can gain traction and sustain political power within the EU framework.
Greece and Bulgaria: A Shift to the Right
In Greece and Bulgaria, center-right parties have comfortably led recent elections, reflecting a broader trend towards right-wing ideologies in Southern and Eastern Europe. In Greece, the New Democracy party has capitalized on public dissatisfaction with the previous left-wing government, promising economic reforms, stricter immigration controls, and a return to traditional Greek values.
In Bulgaria, the center-right GERB party has maintained its position as the leading political force. The party’s emphasis on economic stability, anti-corruption measures, and EU integration has resonated with voters. However, the rise of far-right and nationalist parties in both countries indicates a growing dissatisfaction with the political establishment and a desire for more radical change.
The European Parliament: A New Right-Wing Influence
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Austria’s Freedom Party leader Herbert Kickl, and Czechia’s former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš have formed a new far-right alliance called “Patriots for Europe”. The alliance aims to attract more partners and become the largest right-wing group in the European Parliament. Orbán announced this initiative in Vienna, coinciding with Hungary taking over the EU’s rotating presidency.
The recent European Parliament elections saw gains for far-right parties, although their success varied across countries. These parties are currently spread across different groups and unaligned factions in the EU legislature. Orbán has frequently opposed key EU decisions, particularly on issues like the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia and China, which has often frustrated other EU leaders.
Orbán emphasized that Europeans desire peace, order, and development, but are currently facing war, migration, and stagnation from the Brussels elite.
We see a shift to the right. History shows that a Depression or economic collapse will spur this transformation. The 1930’s Great Depression gave us Hitler. Tito, Tojo, Franco, Stalin, and Mussolini were Nationalist populist leaders who promised a cure for unemployment and inflation.
Since history moves in cycles…. We are due for a repeat.
