The resurgence of a dangerous ideology in Europe is a stark reminder of history's potential to repeat itself. In a recent meeting with Tommy Robinson, French politician Éric Zemmour boldly stated, "Politics must overcome demographics." His words echo a growing sentiment among the far-right, particularly in Italy, where the concept of 'remigration' is gaining traction.
Remigration, at its core, advocates for mass deportations to reduce minority populations, especially Muslims. This idea is not new, but its resurgence is alarming. In France's 2022 election, Zemmour proposed a 'ministry of remigration' to deport 1 million people, targeting undocumented immigrants and dual-national criminals. However, supporters often blur the lines between criminals and non-criminals, long-term residents, and recent migrants.
The rise of remigration rhetoric coincides with the far-right's electoral success across Europe. Parties like Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy and Marine Le Pen's National Rally have been accused of softening their stance by more extreme factions. But these parties, once in power, have implemented policies that chip away at migrants' rights. And this is where it gets controversial—the mainstreaming of far-right ideas.
Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany and Matteo Salvini's League in Italy have openly embraced remigration. In Italy, the birthplace of fascism, a 'remigration summit' sparked heated protests, and the idea reached parliament. While left-wing MPs blocked a press conference by neo-fascist groups, the concept continues to gain support.
The right-wing landscape is complex. Giorgia Meloni's party, despite warning against 'ethnic substitution,' is unlikely to support a referendum on remigration, preferring to maintain political control. Meanwhile, Matteo Salvini's League, trailing in polls, uses remigration to appeal to its base. Former general Roberto Vannacci, with his anti-immigration book, has become a prominent voice, forming his own party with remigration as its central theme.
Vannacci's party, Futuro Nazionale, faces challenges but has attracted attention. The right-wing parties' approach to migration is multifaceted. Even Meloni, as prime minister, has used coded language, increasing guestworker visas while tightening border controls. This strategy, reminiscent of the 1990s National Alliance, tolerates temporary migration but resists cultural integration.
Across Europe, right-wing parties are making migrants' status more precarious. From stripping criminals of citizenship to limiting benefits for migrants' children, these policies erode the language of integration. The far-right's success in popularizing remigration reveals a disturbing shift in European politics, challenging the very notion of minority rights.
As David Broder's book, 'Mussolini's Grandchildren,' suggests, the echoes of fascism are not easily silenced. The question remains: Can Europe confront this dangerous ideology before it's too late? The debate is open, and the future of European politics hangs in the balance.
