At a recent conference in Sydney organized by the right-wing group Advance, Benjamin Harnwell, a political operative associated with the MAGA movement, made a contentious address aimed at Australian conservatives and libertarians. During his speech, Harnwell accused center-right politicians of betraying Western values and endorsed the controversial view that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's policies on immigration have inflicted greater damage on Germany than the actions of the Nazis under Adolf Hitler. Harnwell's comments have sparked a significant backlash due to their extreme nature and the serious implications of equating Merkel's policies with those of a totalitarian regime.

The event was attended by notable figures, including former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and current Liberal senators, indicating that the reception of Harnwell's views may resonate with segments of the conservative political spectrum in Australia. Such rhetoric underscores the growing influence of right-wing populism in political discourse, particularly the ideological ties between conservative factions in the U.S. and Australia. The advance of these ideologies presents challenges to traditional center-right politics that strive for a more moderate approach to governance.

As the Australian conservative landscape grapples with the impact of Harnwell's statements, the dialogue around immigration, national identity, and the definition of Western values is likely to intensify. This situation reflects a broader trend seen in various countries where populist figures leverage extreme narratives to rally support among disillusioned constituents, often at the expense of established political norms and civility.