Far-right parties have made significant gains in the European Parliament elections, according to projections provided by the European Union. The Greens, on the other hand, have suffered major setbacks, with losses expected in several EU nations. The Christian Democrats and Socialists, however, remain dominant forces in the parliament. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made gains in Germany, becoming the second biggest party, while the Greens were expected to fall back to sixth position. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party dominated in France, surpassing President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist party.
The rise of far-right parties in the European Parliament could have significant implications for policies on migration, security, and climate. The Greens’ decline in several EU countries may impact the bloc’s climate change policies, which are currently seen as some of the most progressive globally. The center-right Christian Democratic bloc, led by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emerged as the dominant force in Germany, while the hard right focused its campaign on issues like migration and crime. Overall, the elections are expected to shift the EU towards the right and potentially lead to challenges in passing legislation.
Despite facing challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic, economic slump, and energy crisis, the EU elections come at a crucial time for the bloc’s future. Voter confidence is being tested as the EU grapples with various crises. The election results point to a potential shift towards the right in the EU, which could impact decision-making and legislation within the bloc. With the center losing seats to hard right parties, there may be difficulties in maintaining unity and passing key policies at the EU level.
Following the elections, there will be a period of horse-trading as political parties renegotiate their positions within the European Parliament. The biggest political group, the center-right European People’s Party (EPP), has moved further right on issues like security, climate change, and migration. Questions remain over which groups far-right parties like the Brothers of Italy and Fidesz will align with, which could influence the balance of power within the EU. The election also ushers in a period of uncertainty as new leaders are chosen for key EU institutions, including the European Commission, European Council, and EU foreign policy chief.
As new leaders are chosen and alliances are formed following the European Parliament elections, the future direction of the EU remains uncertain. With far-right parties making gains and the center losing ground, the balance of power within the EU could shift. Governments will be competing to secure key EU positions for their national officials, adding to the complexity of post-election negotiations. The outcome of these elections will impact the EU’s policy direction on a range of issues, from climate change to security, and could shape the bloc’s future trajectory.
