Feb 9 • 12:28 UTC 🇬🇷 Greece Naftemporiki

Japan - Portugal - Spain: Why the far right has impressively strengthened in the elections

Elections in the Western world reveal a significant rise in nationalist far-right forces, from Japan to Portugal and Spain.

Elections across the Western world have been characterized by a notable rise in support for far-right nationalist parties, which are asserting themselves as powerful political forces. In Japan, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), under the leadership of nationalist Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, achieved its largest electoral victory in history, winning 316 out of 465 seats in the House of Representatives. However, the far-right populist party Sanseito remarkably increased its representation, going from three seats in the 2024 elections to 15 seats, highlighting a growing trend in Japanese politics.

Founded in 2020 by right-wing nationalist Shohei Kamiya, Sanseito's platform, centered around the motto "Nihonjin Fasto" or "Japan First," capitalizes on the concerns of millions of Japanese citizens. Kamiya, who is described as young and charismatic, has strategically appealed to the electorate by addressing their grievances and promising to prioritize Japanese interests. This strategic framing has resonated with voters, leading to the party's impressive electoral gains.

As this trend emerges in multiple countries, including Portugal and Spain, it calls into question the future political landscape in these nations and the implications of rising far-right sentiments. The electoral successes of these nationalist parties might indicate a shift in public sentiment that aligns with global trends, as voters increasingly seek to address their concerns through more radical political representations. This scenario might significantly reshape policy discussions and democratic processes in these Western democracies.

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