The Rise of Illiberal Challengers in Western Europe: Austria, Italy, and France in Comparative Perspective

Illiberal and far-right forces have moved from the political margins to the center of power in Europe, shaping agendas, influencing policy, and, in some cases, governing. Yet their position within national political systems varies, creating differing challenges for democratic resilience. Austria, Italy, and France illustrate three distinct trajectories. In Austria, the far-right Freedom Party came in first in the 2024 parliamentary elections and was kept out of government only through cooperation among mainstream parties. This raised questions about the durability of containment strategies. In Italy, illiberal forces have been in government for years, reshaping politics ahead of the 2027 elections. In France, the far-right National Rally leads opinion polls ahead of a fragmented mainstream, making the 2027 presidential election a potential turning point. As the Neo-authoritarianism in Europe and the Liberal Democratic Response (AUTHLIB) project concludes, these cases offer key insights into how illiberal challengers operate and what their actions mean for democratic guardrails and response strategies in Western Europe.
 
The panel will discuss how the positions of illiberal actors—excluded from power, governing, or poised to govern—shape their impact on democracy and public policy. Which institutional, party-system, and societal vulnerabilities are most exposed in each case? What lessons can be drawn from these three contexts for strengthening democratic resilience ahead of critical European elections in the coming years?
 
This panel brings together experts to examine Austria, Italy, and France as contrasting Western European cases of illiberal challenge. Panelists will assess the strengths and limits of mainstream-party strategies, identify key democratic vulnerabilities, and reflect on what these cases reveal about the future of liberal democracy in Western Europe.

To register for the event, please click on the button above. Details for access will be sent to registrants. For more information, please contact Zsuzsanna Végh at [email protected].

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan organization that advances the transatlantic partnership to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
 
With headquarters in Washington, DC; offices in Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Warsaw, Belgrade, Bucharest, and Ankara; representations in London and Madrid; and more than 140 experts and fellows worldwide, GMF is a hub for policy innovation, convening, and leadership development.
 
GMF’s work focuses on three priorities: strengthening transatlantic security, advancing economic and technological competitiveness, and adapting to a shifting global landscape.