Europe's Far Right Gains Ground as Fuel Prices Fuel Unrest Before Key Votes

Soaring fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures are fueling unrest across Europe and boosting far-right parties ahead of key elections in France, Italy, and Poland next year. The unrest follows the US-Iran war, which has driven energy costs sharply higher. Protests have erupted in multiple countries, including France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, with demonstrators citing the high cost of fuel, food, and housing. In France, far-right leader Marine Le Pen has made cutting fuel taxes a central campaign issue, gaining support as President Emmanuel Macron's ratings slip. Far-right parties in Germany, Italy, and Poland are also capitalizing on energy anger by calling for restored energy ties with Russia. Analysts say populist parties frame high energy costs as avoidable government policy choices, which resonates with voters struggling with inflation.