The collapse of the so-called "merchants of virtue" and their "sieve society"—a term used to describe systems that allow selective entry—comes alongside a decline in growth and education. In France, there is a growing sentiment that the country is ready to move away from decades of ideological influence. Meanwhile, the old world, represented by European powers, fears the rising anger of populations who feel ignored or marginalized. In Germany, the AfD, an anti-immigration political party often labeled as "fascist" or "neo-Nazi" by critics, gained significant support in the region of Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, and later in Western Pomerania on September 20. This success is seen by some as a consequence of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision in 2015 to allow over a million refugees from Syria and Iraq into the country. At the time, Merkel was widely praised, with Le Point magazine calling her "The incredible Madame Merkel" and Le Monde referring to her as "the pride of Europe" and suggesting she be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In France, economic growth is also showing signs of decline, with predictions now suggesting it will not exceed 0.4%, down from an earlier estimate of 0.7%. The country's performance in education, as measured by the PISA 2025 rankings, has also dropped, placing France in 27th place. This decline is attributed not only to the influence of social media but also to challenges in integrating large numbers of immigrants and the strain on reception classes. In a recent case, two investigating judges allowed the use of the phrase "the white race and the French nation" in the trial of a murder, a statement that reflects the growing tensions in some areas where local identities are increasingly seen as separate from the French national identity. Many French citizens now support banning the Islamic veil in public spaces, with over 60% expressing this view. Those who advocate for the preservation of traditional values and ways of life are often labeled as "fascists" by critics, despite their focus on cultural and national identity. However, the rise of these movements is not just a German phenomenon—it is part of a broader European trend. The influence of decades of ideological campaigns has not fully succeeded in shaping public opinion, especially beyond the superficial support of media and entertainment figures. In France, the visit of Pope Francis to Paris in late September sparked a wave of public enthusiasm, indicating a longing for ideals that go beyond the influence of professional ideologues. Despite this, the current power structures are not ready to relinquish control. They continue to frame national renewal efforts as dangerous, often using the term "extreme right" to justify their opposition. This approach has led to the suppression of diverse viewpoints, such as the call for pluralism in public broadcasting and the restoration of democratic practices. However, the fear of the "fachosphere"—a term used to describe far-right online communities—is no longer limited to those who are easily frightened. In 2021, Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, stated that "radicalism does not pay" to distance herself from the more extreme rhetoric of Éric Zemmour. Yet the success of the AfD in Germany suggests that challenging the status quo through the ballot box may be the path forward. The coming changes in Europe, and particularly in France, will ultimately depend on the choices made by the people.