European Far-Right Leaders Launch Fierce Attacks on the Left
The American right-wing activist Charlie Kirk's assassination is causing unexpected repercussions around the world, according to a report by the U.S. political media outlet Politico on the 13th (local time).
After the incident, memorial events were held in cities such as London, Berlin, Madrid, and Rome. Although Kirk never held elected office and was a non-politician, several European leaders issued statements of condolence.
Photo of Charlie Kirk appearing at a far-right rally in London on the 13th (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "This horrific murder has left a deep wound in the hearts of those who believe in democracy and freedom." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, "It is heartbreaking that a young family has lost a father and husband." The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released a statement of condolence.
In particular, European nationalist right-wing leaders used Kirk's death as an opportunity to attack left-wing forces.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is close to President Donald Trump, said, "We have lost a true defender of faith and freedom." He went on to blame Kirk's death on "the hate-spreading left." Jordan Bardella, leader of France's far-right National Rally, criticized "the inhumane rhetoric and intolerance of the left."
In the European Parliament, far-right lawmakers requested a moment of silence in memory of Kirk, but it was rejected for procedural reasons. Some lawmakers protested by referencing the case of George Floyd, a Black man who died five years ago due to police violence in the United States, saying, "You honored the Floyd case, so why reject Kirk?"
In South Africa, a conservative group also held a memorial rally, further spreading grief and anger.
Politico described the global reactions as "the international convergence of populism." The outlet explained that Kirk played a key role in spreading President Trump's populist agenda internationally, going beyond being a right-wing activist within the United States. Whereas cooperation among political forces was previously centered on elites, now, thanks to the internet and social media, there is active direct communication and solidarity among grassroots supporters.
Politico further explained that Kirk served as a bridge, strengthening ideological ties between European populist forces by spreading agendas such as anti-globalization and nationalism, which are symbolized by "MAGA" (Make America Great Again).
The Washington Post also reported that while Kirk was not well known outside the United States, after President Trump returned to power, he served as a link among populist and nationalist forces in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
In fact, Kirk visited the United Kingdom last May, meeting with political leaders and students as part of his active engagements. Just days before he was fatally shot on the 10th, he had traveled to countries such as South Korea and Japan to meet with right-wing political groups.
Politico predicted that Kirk is being regarded as a "martyr" in the American and European right-wing camps, and that his death will further solidify the ideological and emotional bonds among populist forces worldwide.
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