If democracy isn't pro-worker, it will die

BOSTON, Massachusetts — Even if the feared extremist wave did not quite materialize in the recent European Parliament election, the far right performed well in Italy, Austria, Germany and especially France. Moreover, its latest gains have come on the heels of major shifts toward far-right parties in Hungary, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden, among others.

In France, the resounding victory of Marine Le Pen's National Rally (previously the National Front) cannot be dismissed as a mere protest vote. The party already controls many local governments, and its success this month has induced President Emmanuel Macron to call early elections — a gamble that could give it a parliamentary majority.