Abuse of the crypto issue by right-wing extremists in Europe’s election campaigns
- Europe’s right-wing extremist parties are increasingly using the topics of cryptocurrency and digital assets as political fighting instruments. The focus is not on the benefits of technology, but rather on its instrumentalization for absurd conclusions.
- Crypto is becoming a vehicle to justify distrust of state institutions, the EU and established financial structures. Especially in the DACH region it is clear how the topic is being deliberately misused in election campaigns.
In several EU countries, the crypto issue has become an integral part of right-wing extremist rhetoric. Parties like that AfD in Germany, the FPÖ in Austria, the National Gathering – formerly Front National – in France, the Lega in Italy and the Vox in Spain use the topic to justify their ideas about “digital freedom” and “independence from the system”.
The actual technological and financial aspects play no role. The emotional impact is crucial: crypto is presented as a vehicle to represent an “alternative model” to state control.
EU regulation as an enemy
A central element of this is the targeted misrepresentation of the EU regulation of the crypto industry. The EU frameworks MiCAR and DAC8 are described, particularly in social media campaigns, as alleged evidence of surveillance and excessive bureaucracy.
The ultra-right uses the complexity of regulation to convey their simplest message: Brussels is interfering with citizens’ financial self-determination. Representations of this level resonate particularly in milieus in which crypto is perceived as an alternative to traditional financial systems.
DACH region: Three countries – same propaganda pattern
- In Germany The AfD relies heavily on anti-EU propaganda. MiCAR and DAC8 are presented as surveillance tools, while crypto is presented as a symbol of personal freedom. However, there are no concrete political statements or even explanations.
- In Austria the FPÖ uses the issue to underline its demand for national sovereignty. Crypto is presented as a way to break away from “foreign-determined” EU financial policy. Here too, the well-worn slogans of freedom and independence dominate.
- In Switzerland the SVP takes up the crypto issue primarily where it fits into their version of national independence. It serves as an argument to doubt international standards. Crypto is presented as an extension of an independent financial system.
What is striking is that none of these parties have a specific crypto program. Instead, buzzwords at the level of high school dropouts dominate: less government, less regulation, more personal freedom.
The world is that simple if you want it to be.
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