The European Parliament elections held on Sunday indicated a rise in support for hard-right parties across the continent, with the center-right Christian Democratic bloc of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen dominating the polls in Germany. The Greens in Germany suffered a significant loss, falling from 20% to 12%, which could impact the EU’s climate change policies. Despite predictions that the EU’s exercise in democracy would shift the bloc to the right, mainstream and pro-European parties are expected to retain their majority in parliament, albeit losing seats to hard-right parties like those led by leaders such as Geert Wilders, Viktor Orbán, and Marine Le Pen.
Issues such as the war in Ukraine, migration, and climate policy are weighing on voters’ minds as they cast their ballots to elect 720 members of the European Parliament. The election results are crucial as EU lawmakers have a say in various policy areas, including financial rules, climate, and agriculture policy. They also have the power to approve the EU budget and veto appointments to the EU Commission. The elections come at a challenging time for the EU, which has been dealing with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, economic difficulties, and an energy crisis.
Populist and far-right parties have gained traction in several European countries, raising concerns about the future direction of the bloc. Parties such as Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán’s Fidesz party and Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy, with neo-fascist roots, have seen increased support. The post-election period will involve negotiations and horse-trading as political parties consider their positions within continent-wide alliances. The alignment of parties, such as the EPP, the Socialists and Democrats, and the Greens, will be crucial in shaping the future direction of the European Parliament.
The election also marks a period of uncertainty as new leaders are chosen for key European institutions, including the European Commission, European Council, and EU foreign policy chief. Governments will be competing to secure top EU jobs for their national officials, adding to the complexity of political dynamics within the European Union. The results of the election are expected to shape the composition of the European Parliament and influence decision-making processes on crucial issues facing the bloc.
Overall, the European Parliament elections have highlighted the growing influence of hard-right parties in Europe and the challenges faced by mainstream and pro-European parties in retaining their majority. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the future direction of the EU, especially in areas such as climate policy, migration, and security. As the continent grapples with various political and economic challenges, the election results will set the stage for the next phase of decision-making and governance within the European Union.
