I'd like to bring a second opinion on France. The extreme left exist, and they are tiny. What I'm sure Ch'ti means with extreme left is actually LFI, which was recognised as actually left, not extreme.
I always wonder what "extreme left" is supposed to mean. The political left strives for social equality, human and civic rights, redistribution of wealth, and equal opportunity. Idk what's extreme about any of that.
It's a difference of perspective. Now in France, there are almost only extremes left because people believe that only an extreme position can change things. Given that the last presidents haven't changed much.
@ no one it's not surprising. What is surprising, however, is that we've remained liberal for so long (at least in Western Europe). It's never happened before.