Women Leading Far-Right Parties: An Analysis of the Financial Times’ Hard-Right Assessment of AfD, National Coalition, and Fratelli d’Italia

This week, the prestigious financial magazine Financial Times (FT) analyzed the three leading European far-right parties – Germany’s AfD, France’s National Coalition, and Italy’s Fratelli d’Italia. FT described these parties as “hard-right” due to their shared features of strong nationalism, hostility toward immigrants and Islam, and authoritarianism.

One notable commonality among these parties is that each is led by a woman. Alice Weidel leads the AfD, Marine Le Pen leads the National Coalition, and Giorgia Meloni leads Fratelli d’Italia and is also the Prime Minister of Italy.

While these parties share many similarities in their views on nationalism, hostility towards minorities, and commitments to traditional values, there are also key differences among them. For example, Fratelli d’Italia’s stance on Russia differs from that of the National Coalition and the AfD. Meloni has shifted to a less pro-Russia position, while Le Pen has distanced herself from her previous pro-Russian stance.

The parties also differ in their EU positions. While Weidel has indicated support for Germany leaving the euro and the EU, Meloni and Le Pen have softened their criticisms of the EU. Meloni has been particularly critical of the European Central Bank’s monetary policy.

As we approach the European elections, it is clear that these three parties are starting from different positions. Fratelli d’Italia is part of the ECR group, while the National Coalition and the AfD are part of the ID group. There have been speculations that