European social democratic parties face electoral decline and far-right rise

European social democratic parties are facing significant challenges and shifts in political influence across the continent. In Sweden, the Social Democrats remain the largest force with 28% of the vote and 100 seats, despite a decline from 2022. Denmark’s Social Democratic Party also saw a decrease, securing 21.8% of the vote while leading the government coalition.

In Southern Europe, Spain’s PSOE maintains its governing position but shows signs of decline, polling at 27.6%, while the center-right PP rises to 32.4% and the far-right Vox reaches 17.8%. Central European powers are seeing sharper declines; Germany’s SPD is polling around 12-13%, and French socialist figures face low polling numbers ahead of future elections.

These shifts coincide with a broader rise in far-right and neo-fascist sentiments across Europe. Analysts suggest that economic inequality, housing insecurity, and the perceived gap between citizens and financial institutions are creating fertile ground for extremist political movements.