Youthful Poles and the Rise of Extreme Right-Wing Nationalism
Poland's annual Independence Day march in November saw a significant shift, becoming the largest far-right street demonstration in Europe. This event, potentially serving as a catalyst, has sparked a surge in far-right views among young Poles.
The extreme right, long considered a neglected political niche, has seized the opportunity and gained popularity among the younger generation. This shift can be linked to questions of identity and concerns about the future of Polish culture.
For years, right-wing trends have been observable among football ultras in Poland. More recently, parts of the hip-hop and rap culture have been identified as a breeding ground for far-right tendencies.
The far-right "Confederation" party entered parliament in the October 2019 election, securing 1.3 million votes or 6.8% of the total. This new right-wing extremist party has gained strong support, particularly from young voters, due to broader right-wing dominance and political polarization in the country.
The Confederation is a stable right-wing extremist organization that has risen in Poland. However, it appeals only to a niche within the electorate, and it remains to be seen whether those young voters who voted for the Confederation will continue to do so or turn to other parties such as the PiS.
The overall political climate and public discourse in Poland have contributed to the development of far-right attitudes among young people. The mainstreaming of far-right views by the ruling PiS party and its affiliated media has played a significant role in enabling the growth of far-right thinking among young people.
Anti-migrant sentiments were particularly strong among young Polish people during the 2015 European migrant crisis. The media landscape has also changed, allowing the extreme right to freely spread its anti-establishment messages in social media.
Surveys among high school students consistently show that right-wing extremist and anti-establishment parties are most popular among them. The group of young right-wing extremist voters could significantly influence the Polish political process in the short to medium term.
However, it is important to note that no sustainable right-wing extremist organization emerged in Poland for a long time. The current failure of the PiS strategy has contributed significantly to the success of the Confederation.
Official historical policy and consumer patriotism in Poland have provided a platform for the expression of nativist and nationalist views. The interests of young people have been neglected by major political parties in the last decade, which may have further fuelled the rise of far-right sentiment among the younger generation.
In conclusion, the far-right trend among young Poles is a complex issue with roots in identity questions, cultural concerns, and political polarization. The Confederation, with its anti-establishment message and nationalist rhetoric, has capitalized on these trends, gaining significant support among young voters. Whether this trend will continue or shift remains to be seen, but it is clear that the far-right is a force to be reckoned with in Poland's political landscape.
