The challenge of democracy: the rise of the far-right in Latin America and Europe.

Democracy in the contemporary world faces a significant challenge, especially in light of the growing emergence of far-right forces that oppose the achievements made in recent decades regarding social inclusion. This situation has become an increasingly concerning issue, both in Europe and in Latin America, where sociopolitical dynamics have begun to reflect similar tensions. The rise of these movements and candidates raises questions about the future of liberal democracies and their ability to respond to the demands of an increasingly diverse citizenry. Far-right movements are characterized by their resistance to the integration of migrant communities and by an adversarial stance towards the expansion of rights for women and sexual minorities. In Europe, this trend is manifested in parties that exploit fear and nostalgia for a past where cultural homogeneity was the norm, evoking a time when, according to their narrative, white men dominated society. Phrases like "Make America Great Again," popularized by Donald Trump, illustrate this longing for a world that was never inclusive for all. The success of liberal democracy, paradoxically, has been the catalyst for the rise of the far-right. Despite the majority of the population in countries like France and Germany expressing opposition to these ideologies, a considerable segment of the electorate is drawn to their proposals. This translates into a phenomenon of electoral polarization, where support for figures like Marine Le Pen or the Alternative for Germany party is measured not only in terms of backing but also in a notable social rejection. To understand whether this trend is replicated in Latin America, recent studies have been conducted, such as the one carried out by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, which explores attitudes towards the far-right in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. The results reveal surprising patterns: around 30% of the electorate shows affinity for far-right leaders like Javier Milei, Jair Bolsonaro, and José Antonio Kast, while 60% firmly oppose them. This division not only reflects the current political climate but also the discontent that has accumulated against traditional parties. The analysis delves into the characteristics of those who support these movements. At the sociodemographic level, no clear common traits are identified, but in ideological terms, far-right voters share antifeminist, conservative, and anti-migration stances. This ideological alignment suggests that we are facing a potential realignment of the electorate that could have long-term repercussions on the Latin American political system, regardless of the fate of individual leaders. One of the most concerning aspects is the fact that, despite the majority opposition to the far-right, it has managed to gain executive power in several cases, a phenomenon partly explained by the electoral structure of the region. In presidential systems with run-off elections, many voters opt for what they consider the least harmful option in contexts of weariness with traditional parties. This means that, in crucial elections, support for the far-right can be more a matter of strategy than ideology. The inability of progressivism to effectively manage social and economic issues has led many citizens to seek alternatives in the far-right as a way to express their discontent with the status quo. Scandals of corruption and economic crises have facilitated these shifts in loyalty, making figures like Bolsonaro and Milei appear as viable solutions amidst popular frustration. The Friedrich Ebert Foundation study does not seek to delegitimize far-right voters but rather to open a space for dialogue about the weaknesses of democracies in Latin America. It is essential to understand the mistakes made by center-left governments and the failures in representing citizens' demands in order to effectively confront the rise of political forces that threaten to erode democratic principles. The current situation demands a deep reflection on how to rebuild trust in the democratic system and ensure that all sectors of society are heard. The erosion of democracy is a slow process, but if actions are not taken now, the long-term effects could be devastating. It is time to face these challenges with seriousness and commitment before it is too late.