Orbán and Le Pen cheer Karol Nawrocki’s election as Polish president
GuardianJUN 2
European Right-Wing Leaders Hold 'Patriots for Europe' Rally in France
Above: Marine Le Pen (L) with Jordan Bardella and flags during the victory celebration organized by the European Patriots party in Mormant-sur-Vernisson, France, on June 9, 2025. Image copyright: Frederic Moreau/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Right narrative
Patriots for Europe is a movement of everyday Europeans fed up with EU elites ignoring their voices. Rooted in the Vienna Manifesto, it champions national sovereignty, secure borders, and free speech. Its rise to the third-largest group in the European Parliament shows growing support. The media labeling it "far right" reveals Brussels' panic, resorting to smears to silence a democratic revolt against centralized power.
Left narrative
These politicians are correctly labeled "far right," as they exploit legitimate grievances to push divisive, xenophobic agendas. Their most recent victory, Nawrocki's win in Poland, cheered by Orbán and Le Pen, signals a nationalist surge threatening EU unity and progressive reforms. Their anti-immigrant, anti-EU rhetoric stokes fear, not solutions. Media warnings reflect genuine concerns about democratic backsliding, not elite panic, as these leaders undermine cooperation and inclusivity.