"Europe's far-right politicians are gaining influence, but they're a
disparate bunch when it comes to Russia's war in Ukraine, LGBTQ+ rights,
NATO or the European Union. Here's what you need to know.
..
What's the difference between the EU's political groups?
The first group, known as European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR),
includes Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy and Poland's Law and Justice
party. At home, they've curbed rights for migrants and same-sex couples,
but internationally, they are staunch supporters of Ukraine in its war
with Russia. That foreign policy stance means more centrist powers are
willing to work with them. Domestically, Meloni has enjoyed strong
approval ratings, something which also bolsters her international
profile.

The next political group, dubbed the Patriots for Europe, tends to be
more skeptical of support for Ukraine . It includes Viktor Orban's
Fidesz party, seen as Russia-friendly after a controversial handshake
with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Hungarian attempts to stall
or derail EU sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

France's National Rally, famously headed up by Marine Le Pen, is also
part of the club, as well as Austria's Freedom Party, which was founded
by former Nazis and fueled skepticism about vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last group, the Europe of Sovereign Nations, includes the
Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. After a series of scandals over allegations of downplaying Germany's Nazi past and a staffer being
arrested on charges of spying for China, the party was given the boot by
other far-right factions ahead of the 2024 EU elections.

The AfD advocates for "remigration," understood to mean the mass
deportation of foreigners, and has questioned whether humans cause
climate change. The party is expected to increase its number of seats in
German parliament in the nation's upcoming election on February 23."

https://www.dw.com/en/where-do-europes-far-right-parties-differ/video-71506085

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