Europe's far-right leaders push anti-Islam, anti-immigration rhetoric after German Christmas market crash

On Friday (December 20) night, a driver crashed into a crowded Christmas market in Eastern Germany, killing at least five people. Now, the incident has triggered a wave of far-right rhetoric across Europe.

Leading right-wing politicians seized on the tragedy to push anti-immigrant and anti-Islam messages as hard-right parties continue to gain traction on the continent.

Magdeburg police identified the suspect as a man from Saudi Arabia, though authorities had not confirmed whether the crash was an act of terrorism or linked to any extremist groups so far.

The incident has added fuel to the anti-immigration platforms of far-right parties, including Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is polling strongly ahead of the country’s snap federal election in February, according to Politico.

Alice Weidel, chair of AfD, pointedly asked “When will this madness end?”

Authorities in Germany continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash and have called for calm as the nation mourns the victims.

European right-wing leaders weaponise tragedy

Far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders called the crash “barbaric” and renewed his calls for stricter border controls across Europe.

“Another barbaric attack in Europe — this time by a man from Saudi Arabia,” Wilders said. “Once again, an incredible number of innocent victims, dead and wounded, are to be mourned. Once again, politicians crying crocodile tears. I’ve been saying it for over 20 years: stop with those open borders.”

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who has consistently linked violent incidents to Islamist extremism, also responded with a sharp critique.

“Once again, Islamist barbarity is sowing terror in the heart of Europe. This act of war against a symbol of our civilisation is heartbreaking,” Le Pen said. “Our thoughts this evening are with the victims and families of this carnage perpetrated in the middle of the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.”

In Britain, Nigel Farage, a longtime immigration critic and key figure in the Brexit campaign, echoed similar sentiments, tying the crash to European immigration policies.

“We have allowed people who hate us and our values into Europe. Christmas is their target. Any guesses why?” Farage said.