Far-right voters in Europe

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Politics in Europe took a shift to the right following the recent European parliamentary elections, with far-right parties making gains in several countries, most notably France. The size of victory for the opposition National Rally Party led President Macron to call a snap national election. We bring together two men who support Marine Le Pen’s far-right party to discuss what’s informing their views. A major concern, they say, is fear about crime and security, which causes some people to carry knives. “People get scared,” said business owner Yannick in the south of France. “We see so many crazy things happening in the streets, we think about defending ourselves because we feel that no one defends us. We try to avoid the problem but it’s good to be ready if something happens.” Overall, centre-right parties strengthened their hold in the European Parliament. In Italy the popularity of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her far-right Brothers of Italy party continued. Cecilia, from Rome, supports them. She talks to 20-year-old Kristina, who votes for the Sweden Democrats, which campaigns on issues around its borders and violent crime. They share some of the backlash they face. “We were called Nazis and people called us racist,” said Kristina. “Still, in parliament we have close to a fifth of voters voting for us. The party talks about issues that others don’t dare to talk about - like immigration.” Hosted by Krupa Padhy. A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC OS team. (Photo and credit: Kristina Skogberg)