Economic uncertainty, record immigration, and political fatigue are driving a global political shift to the right, with populist and conservative parties gaining momentum across North America and Europe, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The progressive political wave that has dominated much of the Western world over the past two decades is retreating as economic stagnation, immigration concerns, and voter fatigue reshape the political landscape. This shift is apparent in established democracies and emerging political systems, where populist rhetoric and conservative ideals are gaining traction, according to the Journal.

One of the most dramatic examples is President-elect Donald Trump's resurgence, whose return to political prominence underscores a broader movement away from progressive governance. However, this trend is not limited to the United States.

Across Europe and Canada, voters increasingly turn to right-leaning parties.

In the European Union, three-quarters of governments are now led by or include right-leaning parties. The conservative European People's Party emerged as the dominant force in the European Parliament during the June elections.

Groups such as Germany's Alternative for Germany, France's National Rally, and Italy's Brothers of Italy have solidified their influence, often capitalizing on public discontent with immigration and stagnating wages.

"It's a broad shift that goes across countries," said Ruy Teixeira of the American Enterprise Institute. "Working-class people are just pissed off — about immigration, about all the culture war stuff, and the relatively poor economic performance that has shaped the working-class experience in the 21st century."

Economic concerns have also played a pivotal role in Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's center-left Liberal Party faces plunging approval ratings. Polls show Trudeau trailing the Conservative Party by approximately 20 points, with opposition leader Pierre Poilievre gaining support by channeling populist frustration over affordability, housing costs, and immigration policies. Poilievre has positioned himself as a champion of economic reform, advocating for cuts to climate policies like the carbon tax and aligning with Canada's trucker protests in 2022.

Meanwhile, Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz presides over the least popular center-left government since World War II, according to polling by Forsa. Alternative for Germany has capitalized on discontent, winning its first state election in eastern Germany and polling as high as 20% nationally ahead of February's general election. While the center-right Christian Democratic Union leads, the party faces challenges in forming coalitions due to its refusal to align with Alternative for Germany.

The trend toward conservatism has been fueled by mistrust of traditional political elites, particularly among rural and working-class voters. Years of increased migration and trade, coupled with low economic growth, have led to a backlash and a rise in nationalism, said Manès Weisskircher, a political scientist at the Dresden University of Technology.

This political realignment could have lasting implications for international cooperation on key issues such as climate change and security. Governments may shift their focus toward national priorities, reducing collaboration on global challenges, warned Ursula Münch, director of the Academy for Political Education in Germany.

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